London-based bassist Jasper Høiby, born in Denmark, is best-known for his piano trio Phronesis. This is the second album by this new trio 3Elements, with pianist Chaerin Im and drummer Jamie Peet.
Phronesis was celebrated for its empathetic interplay and adventurous improvisation, and his new trio is a worthy successor. As Høiby explains, “A piano trio is the ultimate format for me – it has everything you need to really express yourself – dynamically, texturally, rhythmically, melodic and harmonically, yet it’s nimble enough to go somewhere without any preconceived discussion or communication.”
Chaerin Im has evocative piano stylings, and Jamie Peet offers dynamic drum rhythms. It’s interesting to compare with Marta Sanchez’s Perpetual Void on Intakt, which I am reviewing at the same time. Like Water is more lyrical and melodic, more fluid and less edgy – but both are fine examples of contemporary jazz composition. There’s great individuality in the compositions, and a freedom and fluency in the improvising.
The leader gets a wonderfully rich and deep sound on bass. Im offers an individual take on contemporary jazz piano, with inputs from Bill Evans and McCoy Tyner but no single influence dominating. The results are beautifully melodic overall.
A highlight is the plangent opening Breathless. Like Water is uptempo but melancholic. Solace begins with a haunting bass solo, that converts into a riff underlying this gentle magical performance. Free Souls is brief but frenetic free jazz. None of these distilled tracks outstays its welcome, and the album is overall a richly rewarding listen.
Discography
Breathless; Flying: Illusion Of Choice; Fluid; Like Water; Solace; What It Means To Be Human; Free Souls; Life Is A Gift; Reflections; Reciprocity (40.32)
Chaerin Im (p); Høiby (b); Jamie Peet (d). Nd.
Edition Records EDN1243
