Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Freedom of Assembly: Freedom of Assembly

122

Freedom of Assembly: Freedom of Assembly

By

Sign in to view read count
Freedom of Assembly: Freedom of Assembly
Light on liner notes, but rife with quiet timbres and subtle shadings this disc is a ruminative feast. I had not heard of these three players before listening to this release but their work here left me wanting to hear more. That is perhaps the greatest praise possible when it comes to evaluating music. Their winsome approach is one of open-ended improvisation within a congruously swinging framework. Taking into account his instrument and the trio format Seager might be assumed to be the leader, but the music itself reveals that the three take their name seriously favoring a equitable interplay that dispenses with the need for such designations.

The sonic clarity of recording is astounding and adds significantly to the romantic insouciance of the players’ interactions. Mugavero’s swishing brushes and deft cymbal accents are always audible alongside Donchev’s understated bass lines. Both men work in careful concert with Seager, and the three together alternate between the polished traditional swing of “I Got It Bad” and the at times abstract interplay of “Free Lunch” with easy facility. Of the three I was most struck by Mugavero. Possessing a weightless touch on his traps with both sticks and fingers he produces all sorts of rhythmic tensions without ever resorting to bombast or excess. His ethereal patterns provide the perfect complimentary prodding for his peers. It’s uncommon to find a group that can effectively balance a robust interest in ‘outside’ playing with an equal appreciation for more ‘inside’ expression, but these three musicians manage to do so while at the same time preserving an evocative sense of uncertainty. Listeners looking for a fresh take on the time-tested piano trio tradition will find a great number of pleasant surprises on this disc.

Track Listing

Preamble/ Public Ptomaine/ Warp and Woof/ I Got It Bad (and that ain

Personnel

Bert Seager- piano; George Donchev- bass; Nat Mugavero- drums.

Album information

Title: Freedom of Assembly | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: Buzz Records

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.