A swinging set of originals and a few new twists on standards by this tight NYC working trio featuring guitarist Rick Stone, bassist Marco Panascia and drummer Tom Pollard!
Rick Stone Trio “Fractals” is Rick's first release in over five years, but he hasn't been sitting idly. His work teaching jazz guitar at several universities as well as the Jazzmobile keeps him close to home, but that “home” happens to be New York City which has possibly the most vibrant jazz guitar scene on the planet. Besides performing regularly with his own group at the Garage Jazz Restaurant, the Bar Next Door and other local venues, Rick spends his “idle” moments practicing, composing, and drawing inspiration from the many great guitarists in the city. The result is the unique set of music presented on this CD.
Most of the songs here are penned by Rick with moods ranging from the jubilant “Key Lime Pie” (a lively samba dedicated to the late Emily Remler) to the introspective “Places Left Behind.” “Scoby” and “Speed Bump” will appeal to more conservative fans of bebop guitar, while the angular lines of “Fractals” (based on “All the Things You Are” in 5/4) and “Nacho Mama's Blues” display a flair for the adventurous. Some standards get a makeover here too; Stella By Starlight begins with an exotic vamp intro in 7/4, while “Darn That Dream” and “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” receive lush Jim Hall-like reharmonizations. “Ballad for Very Sad and Very Tired Lotus Eaters” is a beautiful but rarely heard Strayhorn tune. “The Phrygerator” alternates between a phrygian modal vamp and a Coltrane-like hard bop chord sequence similar to “Giant Steps.” Bassist Marco Panascia and drummer Tom Pollard are Rick's regular working group and lend sensitive and ever-swinging support and solos.
Rick Stone (guitar)
Marco Panascia (bass)
Tom Pollard (drums)
Most of the songs here are penned by Rick with moods ranging from the jubilant “Key Lime Pie” (a lively samba dedicated to the late Emily Remler) to the introspective “Places Left Behind.” “Scoby” and “Speed Bump” will appeal to more conservative fans of bebop guitar, while the angular lines of “Fractals” (based on “All the Things You Are” in 5/4) and “Nacho Mama's Blues” display a flair for the adventurous. Some standards get a makeover here too; Stella By Starlight begins with an exotic vamp intro in 7/4, while “Darn That Dream” and “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” receive lush Jim Hall-like reharmonizations. “Ballad for Very Sad and Very Tired Lotus Eaters” is a beautiful but rarely heard Strayhorn tune. “The Phrygerator” alternates between a phrygian modal vamp and a Coltrane-like hard bop chord sequence similar to “Giant Steps.” Bassist Marco Panascia and drummer Tom Pollard are Rick's regular working group and lend sensitive and ever-swinging support and solos.
Rick Stone (guitar)
Marco Panascia (bass)
Tom Pollard (drums)
