The Bad Plus have cut down their groove a bit more on this set – going for a style that's even more introspective than before, but which also shows them expanding their horizons nicely! The group's lineup of bass, piano, and drums is played with a dynamism that recalls some of the acoustic work of the Medeski Martin & Wood trio – but there's also a lyrical sense of freedom here that recalls some of the more exploratory work coming out of French and Japanese trio scenes in the 70s. There's almost a Steve Kuhn-esque sense of color and shading to some of the tunes – one that mixes equal parts sadness and joy in a beautiful way, and which leaps out with surprising energy from time to time. Titles include "Lost Of Love", "OG", "Forces", "Knows The Difference", "The Empire Strikes Backwards", and "Let Our Garden Grow". (Jazz, Deep Funk) CD

Drummer Tim Carman is best known for his work in the bluesy trio GA-20, but here he's in much more of a jazz-based mode overall – leading a trio that features some stunning organ work from Ken Clark, a player we don't know at all, but who clearly knows how to channel the best soul jazz styles of the 60s! There's a fierce, freewheeling vibe to the cuts – not funk, but more classic organ jazz – supported throughout with equally strong work on guitar from Steve Fell. If we had to come up with a reference for the vibe, we might go back to the 60s trio work of Don Patterson with Pat Martino and Billy James – and that's a heck of a compliment from us! Titles include "Blues For Bob", "Buster Rides Again", "Insomnia", "Sonnymoon For Two", "Not A Tear", "Key Lime", and "Scoochie". CD