Wagner, Rob Trio – “Rob Wagner Hamid Drake Nobu Ozaki ” – [Valid Records]

Cousin Mary   1/13/2009   CD, Jazz

This set was recorded in New Orleans not long after Katrina at Cafe Brasil where Rob Wagner had had a weekly gig. Exceptional recording in that it captures the energy and intercommunication of this virtuoso improvisation. This is a trio of equals, the percussion and bass players are not merely sidemen. Hamid Drake on drums (recently featured in the current library with William Parker) especially caught my ear, I found myself waiting for his solos. Nobu Ozaki:terrifc bass and good solos. Emotions expressed in the music reflects frustration, questioning, anger, and hope of New Orleans at the time.

Track notes: ALL INSTRUMENTAL.
1 high energy, tight.
2 Easy, moody.
3/4 Drum solos first 1:30.
5 Nice drum/bass interplay
6 Reed/bass interplay — lovely
7/8 More challenging listens.