Antonio Sanchez: Three Times Three

Though it’d be incorrect to call these two new releases by drummer Antonio Sanchez a followup to his score from last year’s Oscar-winning Birdman, it’s impossible not to consider this new work alongside the film music. That score comprised unaccompanied, improvised trap solos. Both Three Times Three and The Meridian Suite present ensemble music that is composed (to various degrees): The former still emphasizes improvisation and musical contrast, while the latter is more through-composed and holistic. Both are excellent.

Three Times Three, a double-disc, derives its name from its use of three different trio configurations. One puts piano (Brad Mehldau) out front, one guitar (John Scofield), one tenor saxophone (Joe Lovano). Each band uses a different bassist (Matt Brewer, Christian McBride and John Patitucci, respectively), and each plays a different set of two Sanchez originals and one cover.