Channels

With their latest release, "Channels", Stephan Crump, Ingrid Laubrock, and Cory Smythe serve up a delectable blend of avant-garde jazz that is as refreshing as a pint of lager on a hot summer day. The trio's dynamic interplay and innovative improvisation take listeners on a sonic journey through uncharted territories, like touring the UK and accidentally ending up in the wrong town because you misread the satnav. Crump's bass work provides a solid foundation for Laubrock's mesmerising saxophone lines to dance upon, while Smythe's nimble fingers traverse the keys with the precision of a snooker player potting the black. Together, they create a sound that is simultaneously challenging and accessible, like trying to understand the rules of cricket for the first time. Tracks like "Traffic" and "Swirls" showcase the trio's ability to ebb and flow like the tide, carrying listeners along on a wave of sound that is as hypnotic as watching the rain fall on a grey day in London. Overall, "Channels" is a triumph of creativity and collaboration, a sonic experience that is as British as a cup of tea and as exhilarating as a ride on the London Eye. Raise a pint to Crump, Laubrock, and Smythe - this album is a bloody brilliant masterpiece that deserves a spot on every music lover's playlist. Cheers!