Newklear Music is an album by the Keystone Trio – pianist John Hicks, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Idris Muhammad.
Background The trio of pianist John Hicks, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Idris Muhammad was assembled for a recording led by saxophonist Archie Shepp in 1995.Huey, Steve "Keystone Trio". AllMusic. Retrieved July 27, 2017. That session was produced by Todd Barkan for Venus Records."Keystone Trio". Concord Music Group. Retrieved July 27, 2017. He commented that "It was magic! A telepathy, balance, and cohesiveness that I rarely hear." The trio subsequently recorded Heart Beats in December 1995. Newklear Music is a tribute to the music of saxophonist Sonny Rollins, whose nickname is "Newk".
Recording and music The album was recorded at Clinton Recording Studios in New York City, on February 19, 1997."Keystone Trio Discography". jazzdisco.org. Retrieved July 27, 2017. Barkan was the producer. The Penguin Guide to Jazz observed that "What is immediately clear is that Newk writes songs, not chord shapes."
Release Newklear Music was released by Milestone Records.
Reception
The Penguin Guide to Jazz described the album as "piano-trio jazz of the very highest quality". AllMusic concluded that "Although the performances at times lack character, this classy piano trio does provide a fresh perspective on Rollins' music."
Track listing All compositions by Sonny Rollins except as indicated. "O.T.Y.O.G." – 5:28 "Times Slimes" – 8:16 "Wynton" – 7:47 "Here's to the People" – 5:31 "Airegin" – 6:47 "Tell Me You Love Me" – 5:58 "Silk 'n' Satin" – 6:27 "Kids Know" – 4:30 "Love Note for Sonny" (John Hicks) – 7:23
Personnel John Hicks – piano George Mraz – bass Idris Muhammad – drums
References