Altered Forms Trio

Sol Jang Trio
19-29
Unit Records UTR 5154

Working to put individual stamps on the classic Jazz piano trio two younger European ensembles approach the challenge differently, with one solution much more viable. Using extended techniques, sonic detours and cerebral pivots the Altered Forms trio position the eight tracks of their eponymous debut disc into unexpected accommodations. Also a debut disc, 19-29 by Korean pianist Sol Jang’s trio appears hamstrung by the conventions of the form.

Leipzig-based the five-year-old Altered Forms group is made up of Scottish pianist Gregor Forbes, Romanian bassist Robert Lucaciu and German drummer Johannes von Buttlar, who have collaborated with the likes of Angelika Niescier and Fred Frith. Setting the scene with responsive motifs, the usually sprightly exposition involve each member s equally. Elevated tempos mean that solid double bass shakes, energetic drum pumps and two-handed piano pulses frequently rush forward at the same tempo but without trading subtlety for speed.

Forbes’ 10-fingered waterfall of notes consolidates Lucaciu’s constant string rubs and von Buttlar’s irregular drum clatters on “Root” for an exhilarating disc finale, for instance. Yet the same sort of power moves through elaboration of the aptly-titled “Splinter shot” and other tracks. On that one energetic drumming and piano key pricks frame the bassist’s strategy of torquing the narrative by roughly vibrating carefully unwound strings.

Concentrating incisive single-note key inserts, drum tolling and sliding string emphasis, the three often confirm a stop-time undercurrent as the pieces evolve in tandem connection. “Blue Greegs” projects the trio’s adaptability at its greatest length as a gradual release of double bass reverberations sound a meditative theme until piano key jumps and drum clatter stretch the line from andante to allegro before slowing down for a reflective coda.

Meanwhile Jang’s adaptation to modernity adds found sounds to the tracks, including band member cross talk, brief mechanical and vocal noises from the Seoul subway and dialogue from her father and the pianist herself. With a background in so-called classical and pop music, Jang’s variations on Jazz improvisation are helped by the sympathetic accompaniment of Dutch bassist Jort Terwinj, who also leads Önder, a double bass ensemble and German drummer Max Hering, involved in other groups and film music composing .

Otherwise the disc is well modulated and modest wuth hi-hat clanks and drum taps, bass pacing and plinks affiliated with piano glissandi and alternations between high pitched tinkles and lowered pedal point. Each track seems to have a steadying exposition and swing variations, but impulsiveness and intrepidity appear lacking. In this case “Subway in Seoul” and “Mindstorm” come across best. Reminiscent of 1960s piano discs, the latter moves from rubato passing piano chords to Jang loosening up to create sprightly note cascades as the bassist and drummer maintain the groove. “Subway in Seoul” delineates the CD’s lapses in miniature. While it begins and ends with noises recorded in the Korean underground, double-timed piano pumps soon give way to a gentler andante theme expressed by all. It’s as if Jang didn’t have enough faither to fully integrate field recordings with her composition and playing.

On the evidence here, the Altered Forms Trio has created a distinctive debut disc, with a sound that can probably be amplified even further on its own or with guests in the future. Meanwhile Sol Jang has made her initial statement with this trio disc. Without faulting the playing or compositions that extra something that defines expressive individualism is missing. Perhaps next time.

–Ken Waxman

Track Listing: Altered: 1. Voles 2. Splinter shot 3. Blue Greegs 4. Unfurl 5.Scattered citrus 6. Undergrowth 7. Prism 8. Root

Personnel: Altered: Gregor Forbes (piano); Robert Lucaciu (bass) and Johannes von Buttlar (drums)

Track Listing: 19-29: 1. Intro 2. Arnhem 3. Subway in Seoul 4. Philadelphia 5. Dissolution 6. A friend 7. Mindstorm 8. 19 days 9. My Father 10. Things I Used To Know

Personnel: 19-29: Sol Jang (piano); Jort Terwijn (bass) and Max Hering (drums)