Lou Grassi performs the collectivist drummer’s dynamics and polyrhythms on Atmospheels, exploiting an energy school occasion with trombonist Swell’s trio that includes reedist Will Connell, who tends to get stuck in mode arpeggios on “Sound as One,” “Atmospheels,” and “BA-1.” Shifting his tonal centers more often would have made his performances more interesting. “Folk Tune,” an evocatively playful line, bears his most melodic solo and is as close to funky as one will hear in this style. Characterizing these compositions are blocks of almost rectangular sound.
Steve Swell Trio: Atmospheels
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