The Invariant is the latest release from the acclaimed ECM Records act Benedikt Jahnel Trio, who are comprised of Jahnel on piano, Antonio Miguel on double bass, and drummer Owen Howard. Now ten years together as a band, the trio waste no time in continuing on with what they created on their previous effort Equilibrium, delivering 8 engaging Jahnel compositions steeped in modern jazz sensibilities, catchy melodies, and a fair amount of complex time signature acrobatics. Opening track "Further Consequences" sees the leaders piano flights weave and soar around nimble rhythms, while an extended bass solo from Miguel drives the lovely "The Circuit" into grand, melodic terrain. The near 10-minute "Mirrors" is lovely yet mysterious at the same time, Jahnet's skills as a composer working wonders and allowing all three musicians to breathe and roam within the trio framework. I'm reminded of early period Chick Corea here a bit. Howard's tricky drum patterns play off Miguel's rumbling bass before cascades of piano join the fray on the upbeat "Part of the Game", a highly engaging piece that is easily one of the albums highlights. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the moody, foreboding "Interpolation One" provides a hint of dark menace, the trio loose yet commanding in delivering some brooding tones.
In short, The Invariant is a lovely little album from a trio that's not afraid to stretch their musical muscles but also back that up with memorable melodies and alluring arrangements. Another winner from the always dependable ECM Records.
Track Listing
01 Further Consequences
02 The Circuit
03 Mirrors
04 Mono Lake
05 Part Of The Game
06 For The Encore
07 Interpolation One
08 En passant
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