Search - Victor Jones :: Cafe Trio: Live at Bradley's in New York City

A Nice Set of Jazz

Karl W. Nehring | Ostrander, OH USA | 07/25/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Although we usually think of piano trios being led by pianists, Victor Jones is the drummer in the C.A.F.E. ("Classics are for Ever" [sic]) Trio, the rest of the group comprising David Kikoski on piano and Essiet Essiet on bass. After opening with an original tune by Kikoski, the trio then launches into half a dozen modern "classics," including tunes such as "Love for Sale," "Corcovado," and "Lil Darlin" (which is attributed to Neal "Hefty" in one of the more amusing typos I have seen lately). Typos aside, this is a nice set of jazz, and a nice production overall. The bass is mixed in a bit too prominently for my taste, but overall the sound quality stands in service to the music. The familiar tunes are treated with both enthusiasm and respect, and although none of the musicians is a household name, the C.A.F.E. Trio turns in a most enjoyable performance.



If you like to listen to live jazz but have a hard time getting out to hear any, turn your lights down low and slip this CD into your player. If your phone doesn't ring, you'll find your mind slipping out to Bradley's in New York City, no matter where you might happen to live."

Damn!!!

J.D. Woodman | Page, ACT Australia | 03/09/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album of live accoustic trio music is refreshing to say the least. It is heavily infused with a strong blues feeling from top to bottom and never ceases to entertain. There are no flat spots on this disc!!! Dave Kikoski is a demon on keys and the group particularly cooks on Love for Sale. The only down side really is the sonic quality of the bass work throughout the disc. Dont get me wrong its solid, but a little muddy and ill-defined. This is a little dissapointing given the overall quality of the recording. All in all, dont hesitate to purchase this if your a fan of exciting trio jazz! Dig in!!!!!"

One hell of a live trio performance

J.D. Woodman | 06/03/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is trio-jazz, and then there is trio-jazz. Too much contemporary trio jazz has frozen into boredom, but this recording is a real showcase for the great drummer Victor Jones. These musicians love playing, and I have never heard David Kikowski play so funky and with so much blues-feeling. He's never been better, and he keeps reminding me of one of my favorites, Cedar Walton. And Essiet Essiet on bass is heavy, funky and tight througout the session. This is a triumph for Victor Jones. This is how it should always be. I just wish it would never stop. Get it, and push the "repeat"bottom from start."