Josh Nelson Trio: The Discovery Project Live In Japan

Josh Nelson has made a big name for himself in the L.A. jazz scene as one of the most sought after pianists/keyboardists around. He started releasing solo albums in 2004 with Anticipation followed by:

Let It go (2007)
I Hear A Rhapsody (2009)
Discoveries (2011)
Exploring Mars (2015)
The Sky Remains (2017)

His latest disc titled Live In Japan, was recorded during a couple of shows in March, 2019 at the Kobe Modern Jazz Club. Rounding out the trio are a couple of fabulous players in their own right; Alex Boneham (bass) and Dan Schnelle (drums).

The first track “Mint Blues� starts very quietly, the players showing great subtlety with gently brushed drums and soft bass. The piano is more up front before the band really gets cooking (and swinging) with some fantastic bluesy bass lines and propulsive drumming. Piano, bass and drum solos follow suit as the band really turns it up to the max with some vigorous playing. On Thelonious Monk’s “Reflections�, the album’s only cover, the band’s playing is both introspective and creative, doing this classic the justice it deserves. At times the bass and drums are as soft as a feather floating on a breeze, demonstrating the trio’s ability to create subtle moods and textures with a tremendous attention to detail. On “Atma Krandana� the repeating piano and propulsive rhythm section propel Nelson through extended piano excursions, very melodic and well crafted. To say these are top shelf players is an understatement. There are three more tunes for you to immerse yourself in, all of the same high quality.

Live In Japan is a superb example of post-bop jazz in the trio format and just how exciting it can be. Highly recommended.

Track Listing:
1. Mint Blues (11:01)
2. Reflections (6:55)
3. Atma Krandana (7:51)
4. Dirigibles (6:33)
5. Kintsugi (11:02)
6. Introspection On 401 (14:31)

Added: July 18th 2020
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist @ Bandcamp
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Language: english

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