Fractals
Rick Stone Trio
Rick Stone has been called one of the finest straight-ahead jazz guitarists in New York City, and one listen to his CD Fractals will show you why. This is no-nonsense jazz with a classic dark tone and killer chops.
Before I get into the music I have to tell you that I was surprised and very pleased to see Rick Stone thank his practice partner Peter Mazza in the liner notes. At this point I have read hundreds of acknowledgement pages on CD's where the artist thanks everyone including the short order cook who made breakfast, but this is the first time I can recall anyone thanking a musical practice partner. No one gets to this level of performance without thousands of practice hours, and that includes playing with others who are of an equally high calibre and who are willing and able to give constructive criticism. It is great to see an artist give credit where it is definitely due.
Obviously Rick Stone's work with Peter Mazza paid off. This whole album is infused with confident virtuosic playing. From the very start of the up-tempo version of Stella By Starlight we know that this trio can really cook. No one is looking to take a break during this wild but fascinating ride.
The album takes its title from the second track, Fractals. In case your math classes are an old, dim memory, let me explain that fractals are rough-edged shapes that have similar shapes at increasingly smaller levels of detail. Of course you don't need to know that to enjoy this fine composition by Mr. Stone, but it is great fun to listen for these smaller fractal shapes and compare them to the larger themes. Or you can just enjoy the interplay of all three musicians as they give their own takes on the concept. Fun stuff!
Key Lime Pie is another Rick Stone original, and another up-beat tune that keeps the great feeling of this CD going. Mr. Stone weaves incredibly long lines of lovely melody that will be the envy of many players but the delight of listeners.
Things finally cool off a bit with the solo guitar intro to Darn That Dream. Bowed bass and cymbal splashes add perfectly to the atmosphere. The ambience continues with softly plucked bass and brushes on the drums. A wonderful take on a classic tune.
Scoby is a lightly-swinging original tune with a deceptively deep groove. This is a song to lift your mood and carry you along no matter what type of day you may be having. Perfect for a jaunty stroll or a carefree drive.
Nacho Mama's Blues is a funky, fun-filled romp with sharply inflected, very cool blues changes. These blues are up-to-date and full of influences from the jazz world and beyond, establishing Rick Stone as a composer to watch - and listen to.
Once again a solo guitar intro to a standard relaxes the pace, this time leading to an almost leisurely reading of Smoke Gets In Your Eyes. This is yet one more great example of Rick's 'endless melody' style. But wonderful as his soloing is, his comping during his band mates solos is superb. Here is a musician who listens to the band and knows how to lay down an unobtrusive but perfect accompaniment.
Places Left Behind is an elegaic original with all of the introspective beauty of any standard tune. Another song attesting to the versatility of Mr. Stone as a songwriter.
And just to show how versatile he is, we are next treated to Speed Bump. The humor of the start-and-stop phrasing is only the start of the fun here. Rather than a speed demon, we are shown a gently swinging composition of slightly off-kilter, asymmetric but always enjoyable set of phrases that cohere marvellously into another fine tune.
The final standard is the all too rarely heard Ballad for Very Sad and Very Tired Lotus Eaters by Billy Strayhorn. This track alone will win many fans for Rick Stone and the trio with an original take that stays true to the unique feel of this great song.
The album ends with another original, The Phrygerator. This up-tempo tune has all sorts of modal inflections, including but not limited to Phrygian. Each member of the trio gets to sign off with some typically fine playing.
With this CD Rick Stone has achieved what so many artists search for: a completely personal sound that communicates to a wide audience. Virtuosity and artistry are never sacrificed for a surface popularity, but jazz fans will recognize the excellence of this group on first listening. This is definitely a trio to check out right away!
You can buy either the Fractals CD
