Steve Lehman Trio's "The People I Love" is a captivating exploration of free jazz and avant-garde sounds, released on Pi Recordings in August 2019. This album showcases the longstanding trio of Steve Lehman on alto saxophone, Matt Brewer on bass, and Damion Reid on drums, with the special addition of pianist Craig Taborn. Recorded primarily at The Samurai Hotel in Astoria, NY, with one track laid down at Jeff Parker Studio in Altadena, CA, the album is a testament to the band's tight chemistry and their ability to navigate complex, fiery post-bop compositions.
"The People I Love" is a return to Lehman's jazz roots, presenting his unique take on the classic alto saxophone quartet tradition. The album balances minimalist stillness with post-bop freneticism, offering a dynamic range of sounds that will intrigue both jazz aficionados and those new to the genre. With tracks like "Ih Calam & Ynnus" and "A Shifting Design," Lehman and his trio delve into intricate, math-jazz derived territories, while pieces like "Prelude" and "Postlude" provide a more introspective and meditative atmosphere.
The album's ten tracks, spanning a total of 41 minutes, are a testament to the band's virtuosity and their ability to push the boundaries of jazz. From the haunting echoes of "Echoes / The Impaler" to the rhythmic complexities of "Beyond All Limits," "The People I Love" is a journey through the innovative and boundary-pushing world of Steve Lehman Trio.
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