Label: Endoctomorph Records, 2021
Personnel - Andrew Boudreau: piano; Simón Wilson: bass; Vicente Hansen: drums; Kevin Sun: tenor saxophone (#10).
Formed in 2018 in Brooklyn, Family Plan is a modern trio composed of Canadian pianist Andrew Boudreau and two Chileans, the bassist Simón Wilson and the drummer Vicente Hansen. Their eponymous debut album was conceived with risk-taking spirit, showcasing the three young cats in stimulating conversation and stressing both their individual talents and cohesive interplay.
The first two selections are among their finest tracks, demonstrating how they shift from powerhouse virtuosos to sensitive painters open to diverse coloristic possibilities. “Celebratory” opens the record with an effortless sense of synchronicity and rhythmic astuteness, leading to a circular rock muscularity sustained by free-burning piano and drums, while the bassist bows spontaneously. Quite the opposite, “Life is Good” spreads a staggering melody over a rich harmonic progression, making sure that every gesture means something.
There are other highlights such as “Reptilian”, a spasmodically kinetic trip equipped with odd groove and a solo piano passage; “Touch”, which relies on a repetitive figure subjected to curious adjustments (from a Paul Bley-like jazz ambiguity to a Radiohead-inspired rock context); and “What’s Your Fee”, which, grooving and rocking with an off-centered pulse, has an excellent spot for guest saxophonist Kevin Sun.
Besides the well-worked dynamics, “Scam Likely” comes with crisp piano jabs and rhythmic accuracy, whereas “Who’s Your Copilot” finds the sweet spot between sophisticated pop and nifty post-bop.
This is a forward-thinking trio that deserves to be heard.
B
Favorite Tracks:
01 - Celebratory ► 02 - Life is Good ► 10 - What’s Your Fee