Jeff Denson/ Romain Pilon/ Brian Blade

The trio of Jeff Denson, Romain Pilon & Brian Blade makes some beautiful music together on Between Two Worlds, released by Denson’s Ridgeway imprint. Bassist Denson and guitarist Pilon have been playing together on and off for twenty years, so it seemed like time to document their musical relationship. And who better to complete the trio than drummer Brian Blade, whose eclectic musical associations include work with Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Chick Corea, Norah Jones, Mark Turner, a decades-long gig with the Wayne Shorter quartet, and many others. He also has led his own band, the Brian Blade Fellowship, since 1998. Denson and Pilon split the composing chores, with five tunes apiece. The guitarist’s Sucré starts off the set. There isn’t much to it beyond a pretty melody and a cheerful chord progression but it’s a tasty piece that serves as a fine introduction to the trio’s flair and playful attitude. More of the unit’s emotionally rich landscape is on display with Denson’s plaintive Song of a Solitary Crow. Understated drumming from Blade really makes this one work. Pilon’s other tunes are the gentle waltz En Trois Temps, the moody Génération, the bright and cheerful Madrid, and the closing Azur, an easy-going number that coasts along easily. Denson offers the mellow smoothness of Nostalgic Farewell, the rambunctious swinger Listen Up, opening with a splashy drum solo, Lost and Found, a relaxed number with a pretty melody, and the title track, Between Two Worlds. As Denson explains in a brief liner note, “As musicians we float between two worlds: one, a physical plane and the other a powerful reality that can only be found with the most open of ears, hearts and minds.” On the physical plane, Pilon’s unadorned electric guitar sound and Denson’s rooted and melodic bass sound lovely together, while Blade gives a master class in accompaniment. The band’s inventive playing and exemplary interactions make this release an instant classic. Strongly recommended.
Ridgeway RRCD014; Romain Pilon (g) Jeff Denson (b) Brian Blade (d); Oakland, CA, February 7 & 9, 2019; Sucré/ Song of a Solitary Crow/ En Trois Temps/ Génération/ Nostalgic Farewell/ Listen Up/ Madrid/ Lost and Found/ Between Two Worlds/ Azur; 62:39. ridgewayrecords.com