Search - Thirteen Ways :: Focus

Provocative

Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 05/24/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The aptly named Focus comes in just a shade behind this trio's previous release (the MGM Trio, an acronym formed from the participants' first names, MICHAEL Moore, GERRY Hemingway, and MARILYN Crispell), where the inimitable Marilyn Crispell held down the piano chair instead of the estimable Fred Hersch. Moore and company achieve a kind of melodic angularity that never fails to interest, and sometimes astonishes. It's being called chamber jazz, but to my ears it's something beyond that. When I think of chamber jazz, I think of the Jimmy Giuffre Three, and what's going on here is distinctly different, but no less remarkable. Michael Moore continues to be among the most interesting jazz figures of the late 90's and early 00's. Definitely worth checking out."

Entertainment Weekly Jan 21-28

Jan P. Dennis | 02/01/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This trio's stunning chamber jazz is subtle, darting, and suggestive. Yet pianist Fred Hersch, drummer Gerry Hemingway, and saxophonist Michael Moore make a potent impression by way of an unpredictable blend of open improvisation and elegant composition shot through with high lyricism and sneaky comic relief. Focus, for all its quietude, triumphs loud and clear. B+ Steve Futterman Entertainment Weekly"

Chamber Jazz For The New Millennium

Jan P. Dennis | 06/13/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Some amalgamations of musicians look off on paer but actually sound great in the studio. Thirteen is such a group. It combines the distinct approaches of Fred Hersch on piano, Michael Moore on reeds, and Gerry Hemingway on drums, to create a repertoire of chamber style jazz pieces. Like the Modern Jazz Quartet, this is chamber jazz aty its best - intimate conversations between musicians. Yet the outcome is a bit more challenging. Moore's playing moves effortlessly from Dewsmond cool to Ornette abstract, while Hemingway displays his dexterity at building a multitude to shadings behind the soloists. The selection of tunes range from originals to a quirky tango by Dutch pianist Misha Mengelberg and a bebop inspired tune by pianist Jaki Byard whose voice we lost last year. With the demise of Trio Clusone, which also featured Moore, Thirteen will be my pick for the chamber jazz group of the new millennium. MJQ with an attitude!"