String Trio of New York: Faze Phour: A Twenty Year Retrospective

The proceedings get off to a congenial and playfully boisterous start with John Lindberg’s composition titled, “Frozen Ropes” as the musicians perform with gusto, verve and tenacity. Here and throughout, Ms. Monroe exhibits her extraordinary range as a soloist and keen sensibilities as a jazz technician. With James Emery’s “The Pursuit of Happiness” the soloist’s craft shrewdly executed linear and unison lines augmented by Lindberg’s seemingly impossible pulse amid furious activity atop an endearing melody. The musicians perform a bluesy version of Duke’s “In A Sentimental Mood” while continuing their virtuosity on Mingus’ Pitheeanthropus Erectus” featuring James Emery’s masterful reworking of the main theme while concurrently handling the rhythms. Ms. Monroe’s piece, “Groovin’ Roots” boasts a memorable melody along with Emery’s devastating blues lines and the composer’s tumultuous yet extremely effective soloing.

Faze Phour: A Twenty Year Retrospective serves as a noteworthy glimpse of an ever evolving band who seldom if ever become reticent or complacent about their combined efforts as a working unit. Innovative, stylish and unpredictable are a few characterizations that come to mind. Essentially, the “String Trio Of New York” spawn a mark of distinction while providing the receptive listener with much to get excited about..........! * * * * ½

Comments