The John Hart Trio: Indivisible

While John Hart has a history of working in greasy organ-group settings, he strides into some entirely different territory on Indivisible (Hep). With his highly interactive trio consisting of longtime collaborators Bill Moring on bass and Tim Horner on drums, Hart investigates urgently strummed rhythms and Metheny-esque harmonies on “Runs in the Family” and “Not My Generation.” He then delves into a Spanish flamenco vibe with acoustic guitar on “Awakening,” featuring Horner on traditional flamenco hand percussion (cajon). Hart’s whimsical ballad “Child at Heart” is a breath of fresh air that reminds one of Bill Frisell’s trips to the heartland, while his poignant adaptation of Ellington’s “Single Petal of a Rose” is brilliantly handled by drummer Horner, who plays the sensitive colorist here. Hart also turns in a beautiful solo acoustic guitar rendition of “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square” and an affecting take on “Blame It on My Youth,” performed on acoustic guitar with the trio. Two wah-wah-laden offerings-“Clone Me,” with its funky 7/4 vamp, and a wide open, distortion-laced spontaneous exploration entitled “The Thing”-round out this wildly diverse program.

Originally Published April 1, 2005