Search - Branford Marsalis :: Trio Jeepy

Brilliant

eric84 | KY, USA | 01/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Occasionally, a musician comes on the scene who possesses the talent and courage to break the timeless tradition set way back by his elders. In jazz the tradition goes something like this... If the headman is a saxophonist his group usually features a pianist, bassist, drummer, and the occasional trumpeter. The order of the song is usually arranged thusly; head, sax solo, piano solo, bass solo, fours traded with drums, head. Now contrast that with Branford's rendition of Three Little Words found on Trio Jeepy, which implements uses of a sax and bass only. A false start begins the cut, followed by a heated argument on the favored chord changes(of which Branford wins). Branford angrily starts the head, which more closely resembles an elaborate, melodic solo rather than the classic melody, with a loud, piercing note. The late Milt Hinton is then allowed to showcase his superb musicianship on his playful, wood sounding walking bass solo (which are generally regarded by bassists). Finally, Branford rounds out the piece with his melodic solo, reminisant of his version of St. Thomas. The solos in this piece are brilliant, in the same category as So What, Giant Steps, and Maiden Voyage(in my opinion). I'm aware of the overuse of this line, but I'll say it anyways..."The song alone justifies the price of the album". The powerful drum stylings of Jeffery "Tain" Watts are added to the other cuts, of which the sententious, soothing Nearness of You and the relaxed Makin' Whoopee are the most memorable. Trio Jeepy is a brilliant, awe inspired jazz masterpiece, and what I consider to be Branford's best work. God Bless."

Trio Jeepy - audiophile favorite

Dave C | Dallas, TX | 08/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The three previous reviews all tell the tale that this is indeed a very special jazz album. It is. 14 years later I'm amazed at how frequently I return to it, again and again and again.
This is a note to the audiophiles out there. You MUST own this one. Sonically as spectacular as anything recorded these days. If your system is up to it, the blast from Branford on "Three Little Words" will set you back in your chair as if he's right in the room with you.
Rarely does an album merit marks of excellence for both performance and sonics, but this one does in spades.
And yes, I'll spare you the CD versus record debate for another time ;-)"