Incredible discovery!
ziryab | Bethlehem, PA | 02/13/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Great discovery! This is a amazing recording of bass player Arild Anderson, Tenor Sax Tommy Smith (what a sound!) and drummer Paolo Vinaccia. The first track (40 minute long, divided in 4 parts) is a sort of ECM modern "Love Supreme" using a remarkable intensity and accuracy in the way these incredible musicians play. The rest of the album is as good with a wonderful and contemporary cover of Ellington's "Prelude to a kiss". A journey and an intense pleasure. Highly recommended!"
Absolutely Wonderful!!!
A. Davis | Greenville, SC | 04/21/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"WOW! This is one the best live recordings of a Bass, Sax and Drums Trio that I have ever heard. Arild Andersen has monster Bass chops and he has surrounded himself with two equally talented musicians that I was previously unfamiliar with. Drummer, Paolo Vinaccia is incredible and adds some great texture and color to these performances. He reminds me of early Jack Dejohnette with a hint of Roy Haynes. Tenor Saxophonist, Tommy Smith just blew me away. With a style ranging from a soft and mellow Lester Young to a flat out swinging Sonny Rollins, his performance here is off the charts. This is a very strong Trio and they bring their best game to this recording. Andersen and company share a chemistry and intuitiveness that allows them to create an exceptional exchange of musical ideas. They push and challenge each other to the limit and the results are very rewarding. I absolutely love the way they interact with each other throughout this concert. The final track "Dreamhorse", with its' achingly beautiful melody nearly brought me to tears. There are no weak moments on "Live At Belleville", just exceptional music played with passion and fire. This music is absolutely beautiful and a wonderful addition to my music collection. I highly recommend this recording and hope this Trio will record a follow up real soon.
On another note, ECM is finally releasing "Arild Andersen's Early Quartets" in a boxed set next month. This exceptional set will include, Clouds In My Head (1975), Shimri (1976) and Green shading Into Blue (1978). I owned all three LP's before they were stolen from my collection during a cross-country move ten years ago. I cannot wait to recover these treasured recordings. I salute and applaud ECM for mining their vaults and releasing these jewels to the public. Arild Andersen is an exceptional talent and his music deserves to be heard. Peace!"
