Amendola, Scott Trio – “Lift” – [Sazi Records]

Scott Amendola (who has worked with Nels Cline, Charlie Hunter) leads this session on percussion and electronics joined by John Shifflett on bass and Jeff Parker on guitar. Virtuoso performances from all on Amendola’s fine compositions; these tracks are accessible but with an interesting edge. Track 7 “The Knife” features tremolo guitar that more than hints at surf – a surprise on a jazz album.

Amendola does an illuminating 11-minute podcast about this release where he mentions that his grandfather was a guitarist so maybe that’s why he likes to play with them.