Aelita - Tied & Tickled Trio

Advantages: Relaxing and intelligent music
Disadvantages: None

...Here Tunisian oud player Anouar Brahem is in a trio setting with Francois Couturier (piano) and Jean-Louis Matinier (accordion). It's a set-up that serves him very well, and the blend of the North African and European is very pleasant to listen to. But it's a lot more than a cliched "meeting of cultures" or traditional album. It works on its own terms - Brahem introduces contemporary guitar styles in his playing, and there's even some keith Jarrett-style spontaneous singalongs (obviously by order of the ECM management). The mood is peaceful; the French, Italian and Spanish titles of the pieces generally suggest land or sea scapes - calm ones as nature intended. But this is not a single paced offering, and your attention is sustained by the trio's subtle nuances. The absence of a rhythm section heightens the instrumental... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: If you like Bach, the piano or jazz you'll like it
Disadvantages: Just the one tune that I don't care for

...Many Jazz musicians train their fingers by playing Bach in various styles and at various speeds - I played Bach not only for the training but because I liked the harmonies, chord changes and arpeggios. Jacques Loussier has taken playing Bach to an art form. I like this album only and NOT volume 2. The original Play Bach album contains most of bach's better known works such as His Toccata and Fugue, also the 1st and 2nd preludes and the 1st and 2nd fugues, hair on a G string (joke) and Jesu joy of man's desiring. This really is a cracking album with the trio (including bass and drums) really jazzing up bach and playing some pieces with phenominal speed, cool showmanship and originality. It's a swinging, foot tapping, jazz party! In my opinion there is only one song on this album that isn't brilliant and that is Jesu joy of man... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average off topic

Advantages: a true avant garde jazz trio
Disadvantages: maybe too avant garde in some instances

...When we talk about modern jazz piano trios names like brad mehldau and esbjorn svensson quickly emerge to our minds. But no matter how good the former musicians and their trios are, nevertheless they still have a strong influence by artists like bill evans, keith jarrett and even Chick Corea. In the case of the Bad plus however, we can talk about a new powerful almost punk attitude towards piano trios. Imagine the virtuosity of jazz musicians combined with avant grade innovation and high volumed tunes, all combind in one. The original compositions sound so fresh, with all the rhythmic and harmonic complexity combined in a unique way. Trashy beats and excellent piano unisons create a some kind of trancedental atmosphere. And how about a cover of Nirvana's "smells like teen spirit" for jazz trio? Really interesting.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful