Matt Keegan Trio
Tone Imagination
(Jazzgroove/Creative Vibes)
****
This third album of originals from Sydney saxophonist Matt Keegan’s trio, with bassist Cameron Undy and drummer Dave Goodman continues the leader’s individualistic fusion of varied influences, especially jazz/rock.
Old Times sounds like a jazz ballad set to a rock beat, and with overdubs and samplings produces a larger than usual trio sound.
Undy’s electric bass resonates with upward thrusts of chords and single notes introducing Shibuya while Goodman’s kit rides the backbeat and splashes out with its additional cymbals.
New Day Dawns is straight ahead rock fusion with a heavy beat and throaty tenor solo, contrasting with Calm Sea Three, a lyrical ballad with the tenor wandering ethereally over soft brushwork and sympathetic bass.
Elements is a slow, catchy theme, building in intensity assisted by a fattening bass with wah-wah effects, and hand drumming moving to driving stick work.
This is a multi-faceted album imaginatively exploring textures and sounds beyond its trio instrumentation.
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This review first appeared in The Weekend Australian and is republished with permission.
