Recommended: Thomas Fonnesbæk, Aaron Parks, Karsten Bagge – “Groovements”

There’s a sense of grand unison on this session from bassist Thomas Fonnesbæk, pianist Aaron Parks and drummer Karsten Bagge.  It’s not so much a conversation between each of the trio members as it is a high-speed game of Scrabble and each word they play is part of the same, extended sentence.  With Groovements, you get some modern straight-ahead and some old-school stylings.  Of the latter, covers of Cedar Walton’s “Bolivia” and the Arthur Schwartz classic “You and the Night and Music” have got plenty of hop and swing.  But it’s the modern pieces that hold the most sway.  Tracks like “Alcubierre’s Law” and “Shapes ‘N’ Colors” and “Winter” eschew traditional bop form to spend more time diving into the depths of gorgeous melodies.  But perhaps the most intriguing juxtaposition of old and new is a take on Springsteen’s “I’m On Fire,” which the trio makes sound like the song was born in the alleys and thoroughfares of New Orleans.

A very strong album from first note to last.

Your album personnel:  Thomas Fonnesbæk (bass), Aaron Parks (piano) and Karsten Bagge (drums).

Released on Stunt Records.

Listen to more album tracks at the artist’s Soundcloud page.

Available at:  Amazon | eMusic