It's interesting isn't it that the dynamics of a guitar trio (guitar, bass, drums) are so different than when the trio is led by piano. For one thing it's more tactile, there can be a greater elasticity in the sound and for sheer craft and deft execution a guitar trio can also be a very satisying listening experience. Falling Grace certainly is. If you like Wolfgang Muthspiel this is a good record to check out and Pilon is a player with extravagant style and pedigree, the comparison standing well with the more famous Austrian. A big plus is the presence of Jeff Ballard on drums who on the other side of the tracks certainly knows what it is like to be playing with a pianist given all his work with Brad Mehldau in that different sphere. Yoni Zelnik on double bass provides plenty of character and the standards are interestingly chosen, I can't for instance recall anyone covering Miles Davis 'Side Car' recently: the only versions I can think of are by Joe Henderson and George Schuller. Excellent. SG
Tags: