ABOUT LIVE AT ONE STATION PLAZA | REVIEWS
Back to Music
This is Jay Azzolina's third album as a leader and he has chosen the organ trio format in a live setting to unveil his newest compositions. Jay's considerable intuition is spot-on. This warm and empathetic trio with Gary Versace on organ and Adam Nussbaum on drums delivers a live performance that is colorful and truly inspired.
Jay's maturity as a guitarist and composer shines throughout this recording, with his knowledge of the jazz and blues tradition blending seamlessly with his informed modern compositional style. Jay orchestrates this music in a unique way, utilizing a contrapuntal style that differentiates this group from more traditional organ trios without losing the grit and groove that are so essential to this form of jazz.
Gary Versace handles his multilayered role of soloist, keyboard player and bassist with power and grace, as the organ is the backbone of the trio. Adam Nussbaum swings hard, creates lots of dynamic contrast and contributes excellent solos, all with his highly personal sound and touch.
It is truly refreshing to hear a live recording that sounds so natural and uncontrived in terms of performances and sonics. I feel this is really a wonderful "snapshot" of Jay and his trio and I anxiously await their next release.
|
