Trikus - Trikus


Year of Release: 2002
Label: self-released CDR
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 48:46:00

Trikus are a trio playing instrumental jazz-rock, headed up by George Hoar on bass and keyboards with Mike Feldman on drums. The duo is rounded out by three different guitarists, each playing on different tracks, though mainly it is the third member of this group, Kevin Lutke. Mike Stern, who in his career has played with Miles Davis, Billy Cobham, and Jaco Pastorius to name but three in a long list (a list that also includes Jens Johannsen (Stratovarius), Dave LaRue (Steve Morse Band), and Didier Lockwood (Magma), too), plays a searing guitar here on "Front St," the track that opens the album. On this track, there are some unpleasant keyboard effects that detract from what is otherwise a grooving jazz piece, and at points the percussion seems a little too much up front in the mix. But these are really the only missteps on an album that is filled with easily digested jazz.

Because jazz is such a wide field, there are probably a dozen or so jazz artists that can be named here, but, in terms of the guitar aspect of Trikus' sound, it is John Scofield that came to mind the most. The other prominent element in Trikus' alchemy is the keyboard work from Hoar, where his tinkling piano runs are resonant, warm and clear. Feldman as a drummer is good, though sometimes his contributions seem back in the mix except as noted in "Front St." and on the tangy "Cajun Dijon," where the trio expands to a quartet with the addition of Mike Almo on baritone sax. Almo can be heard, and almost breaks loose, but the drums are up in the mix while Almo solos, swallowing up what Almo is playing.

Hoar and Feldman play off each other in the funky "Free Bass," where truly Hoar's bass runs free like froliking wild stallions on a grassy plain. If ever the term "happy bass" could be used, it would be here (though it does seem a bit overlong). In "Palette One" it is only Hoar on bass and piano on this melancholy and moody piece, which mixes classical in with the jazz. Bob Knapp plays a sometimes frenetic soprano sax all over "Minor Deegan."

The swingingly fun "Wreckless Pursuit," has a classic and catchy rhythm. It seems every jazz artist has something like this in his or her repertoire, the playful, easygoing tune. "Homeward" follows and has that feeling of expectant twilight - the day is over, the evening just begun and full of possibilities. It has a southwest flavor (and saying that, I think of a seasoned steak -- maybe I'm hungry). It's laidback and unhurried ?

The album closes off with the heady "Wolf Waltz" where tart synth tones give the piece a Caribbean feel, sounding at times, though briefly, like kettle drums. Because the whole vibe behind it is dark, even moodier than the piece that precedes it ("Palette One"), it seems out of place.

Other than those couple of keyboard elements, this is a jazz release that would fit very comfortably next to any jazz artist in your collection as the performances are outstanding, certainly from Hoar and his trio of guitarists. But for those who are looking for something a little more adventurous, Trikus might seem tame.


Tracklisting:
Front St. (6:18) / Free Bass (5:03) / Wreckless Pursuit (4:27) / Homeward (5:55) / Cajun Dijon (4:35) / FX (4:56) / Dark Stout (4:45) / Minor Deegan (6:37) / Palette One (3:05) / Wolf Waltz (2:46)

Musicians:
George Hoar - bass, keyboards, piano, organ, synths
Mike Feldman - drums (ex. 6)
Kevin Lutke - guitar (3-5, 7, 10) Mike Stern - guitar (1) Mike Hogan - gutiar (6)
Mike Sorentino - drums (6)
Mike Almo - baritone sax (5)
Bob Knapp - soprano sax (8)

Discography:
Trikus (2002)
New Mood Suite (2002)

Genre: Rock

Origin US

Added: May 18th 2003
Reviewer: Stephanie Sollow
Score:
Artist website:
Hits: 2060
Language: english

  

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