Label: Self released, 2023
Personnel - Ricki Malet: trumpet; Alistair Peel: bass; Bronton Ainsworth: drums.
For some time now, Perth-based trumpeter and composer Ricki Malet has been enriching Australian ensembles led by bassist Kate Pass (Kohesia Ensemble) and multi instrumentalist Mace Francis (Orchestra; The Hounds). Presently, he leads a close-knit trio - featuring bassist Alistair Peel and drummer Bronton Ainsworth - with tradition in its primal nature and core. They tackle six Malet originals and four well-known standards, whose modern jazz sensibilities and arrangements make them escape the generally tendency to over refine tradition.
“The Great Indoors” is the captivating opener, developing from cymbal scintillation, sparse yet groovy bass notes, and clear brass expression. The harmony is defined with no ambivalence and the beneficial synergy between the three musicians is on display, even during improvised excursions that are perceptible, suggestive and naturally grounded in the mood.
Relaxed and effective, “Mama (for Jess)” is a 3/4 spin with a few blues-inflected specifics, whereas “Low Five” gives you all the information in the title: it’s in five with a despondent temperament. “The Waking”, in turn, is breezy and mellifluous, conveying a heavenly sense of comfort in its musical amenities.
The covers get underway with pianist Bud Powell’s bop classic “Dance of the Infidels”. In a first instance, this piece is a showcase for Ainsworth’s rudiments, which serve as fillings for the intermittent discontinuation of the chord progression. Malet and Peel paint their improvisations here with tasteful designing.
The bassist returns with a dissertation on Charlie Parker’s “Segment”, where straight-ahead boplicity commutes to a momentary Afro-pulsing vamp that resembles Billy Harper’s “Somalia”. The group is constantly in motion during the mercurial rendition of “Someday My Prince Will Come”, which begins at a non-waltzing tempo, as well as on “What is This Thing Called Love”, where they depart from a bolero feel and sluggish pace to land on a swinging field of exuberance.
Malet’s compositions are agreeable surprises, benefitting from the melodic confidence of the bandleader and the complementary resources of his associates.
Favorite Tracks:
01 - The Great Indoors ► 02 - Mama (for Jess) ► 08 - Low Five