The Fly Trio Soars with "Sky & Country"

I love jazz trios. Their uncluttered, crisp lines and intimate conversations are the best way to get turned on to the music. Modern jazz history can point to some spellbindingly dynamic trios. Sonny Rollins, Albert Ayler's mind-bending forays, and Ornette Coleman come to mind. The Fly Trio follows in their footsteps, except that they place a premium on inclusiveness and shifting perspectives. This is one ensemble that is devoid centripetal undertakings. Opting on an equation that thrives on equality, no one voice dominates and there's no centerpiece whose star power casts long shadows on supporting sidemen. The members of Fly Trio are in fact session musicians, but more than that, they are A-list players and composers who have accompanied some big names in the jazz world - Stan Getz, Chick Corea and Pat Metheny amongst others. On their new album saxophonist Mark Turner, bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard have reunited once again to promote the ideal of collectivity. But it's not like they're sacrificing individuality either. Each player contributes something unique to the whole, making this trio's functionality optimal, not just in a technical sense. These cats are musically interesting and relevant. Three is the new, hip formation and Ballard's opening track "Lady B" delivers with a supple tone that sets the vibe. "CJ" exudes very cool, sultry contours and "Dharma Days" is playful with jumping bass and subtle, yet kinetic drums rounding out Turner's laid back phrasing. Sky & Country closes with the unhurried, expansive "Super Sister" which features a rollicking drum solo almost midway and a creeping bass line accented by Turner's lamenting sax. Lookout, the Fly Trio is reclaiming the spirit of true collaboration for jazz.