Vinson, Will, Gilad Hekselman & Nate Wood - Trio Grande: Urban Myth [CD]

Much has changed since Trio Grande's first release in 2020, not least for the band itself: prodigious multi-instrumentalist Nate Wood now joins the indefatigably creative partnership forged in New York City by Gilad Hekselman and Will Vinson.

The foundational triumvirate of drums, guitar and alto saxophone remains and even though each member is rated among the most individual and influential practitioners of their own instrument, the unmistakable enduring character of Trio Grande incorporates them all into its own unique identity, continuing to grow and develop at its own pace, to create new possibilities of form and texture, composition and improvisation.

The results can be heard on 'Urban Myth': a powerful, diverse but unified set of recordings that combines elements of jazz with pop accessibility and the directness and honesty of folk - "No science project music on this record." - and delivers a new surprise at every turn.

Trio Grande has always been about pushing at the boundaries of possibility, finding new ways to explore the vocabulary of modern instrumental music and reconfigure the trio format. Nate Wood's superhuman ability to play drums and bass simultaneously opens up extra possibilities, freeing up Hekselman from sole bass duties - "Nate is such an ocean of music" he says, "He has an insane depth of understanding of sound and orchestration." There's a perfect empathetic understanding between the participants, allowing them to fuse their diverse musical influences, from cutting edge contemporary jazz to rock and folk forms, all with perfect freedom and conviction.