Vega Records ART-1020
P.O. Box 5400
Tokyo International
Tokyo, 100-9131 Japan

There are many benefits associated with performing with a trio that frequently plays together. The musical interplay and conversation between musicians comes easily and the ability to anticipate each nuance and move is natural. This recording was completed in 6 hours and is comprised largely of first takes. Whitfied's trio is completed by long-time associates and friends, Rueben Rogers on bass and Donald Edwards on drums. Accomplishing this project under such time constraints is a daunting task and the three certainly rose to the challenge.

The CD opens with an Afro-Cuban version of "Invitation" which moves from a swing feel back to latin showcasing Edwards' soloing over a solid vamp from Whitfield and Rogers. Next up is a Whitfield original, "The Egg and Cinnamon Blues" allowing Rogers the first solo. This is a chord melody-based blues reminding the listener of the guitar trios of Kenny Burrell, Herb Ellis, and Barney Kessell.

Classic standards such as, "The Man I Love" and the Jobim composition, "Chega De Saudade" (also known as, "No More Blues"), are given bossa nova treatments. Whitfield floats through the melody on these selections in single notes while the background is filled in perfectly by the rhythm section. This is a nice approach and different from the commonly used harmonized melody statement followed by single note line approach.

Edwards contributes an original jazz waltz titled, "Asami's Playground" which is modern in form and construction. Rogers offers "Wala Wala" as, "a musical presentation of the primal spirit of man as he struggles to reach higher evolutionary levels." Whitfield also penned "Medgar Evers' Blues" as a tribute to the slain civil rights worker.

"Willow Weep For Me" is played as a jazz waltz with a somewhat modified melody offering a refreshing approach to a classic composition. "The Way You Look Tonight" is a hard swinging arrangement paying homage to Wes Montgomery. The trio pays honest tribute to Wes through their fine playing.

There are pretty solo acoustic guitar arrangements of "The Very Thought of You" and "Too Young To Go Steady." These cuts are effective due mainly to the natural recording style. This allows the finger noise on the strings to come through without attempting to sterilize the sound.

Trio Paradise has an excellent mix of styles and musical approaches to some great material. Whitfield is not only a fine technical player, but also spans the gamut from traditional lines and harmonic approaches to the more modern and free musical attitude. The background support provided by Rogers and Edwards is invaluable and a pleasure to listen to. This CD will satisfy listeners who appreciate mainstream jazz guitar and "outside" playing as well.

Related link

Mark Whitfield's website