Newklear Music Explained

Newklear Music
Type:Studio
Artist:Keystone Trio
Cover:Newklear Music.jpg
Recorded:February 19, 1997
Studio:Clinton Recording Studios, New York City
Genre:Jazz
Label:Milestone
Producer:Todd Barkan
Chronology:John Hicks
Prev Title:Heart Beats
Prev Year:1995
Year:1997
Next Year:1997

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.[1] That session was produced by Todd Barkan for Venus Records.[2] 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.[3] 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.

  1. "O.T.Y.O.G." – 5:28
  2. "Times Slimes" – 8:16
  3. "Wynton" – 7:47
  4. "Here's to the People" – 5:31
  5. "Airegin" – 6:47
  6. "Tell Me You Love Me" – 5:58
  7. "Silk 'n' Satin" – 6:27
  8. "Kids Know" – 4:30
  9. "Love Note for Sonny" (John Hicks) – 7:23

Personnel

Notes and References

  1. Huey, Steve "Keystone Trio". AllMusic. Retrieved July 27, 2017.
  2. http://www.concordmusicgroup.com/artists/Keystone-Trio/ "Keystone Trio"
  3. http://www.jazzdisco.org/keystone-trio/discography/ "Keystone Trio Discography"