Matt Moran Trio Return Trip

Matt Moran Trio
Return Trip
Diskonife Records

“Return Trip” is an intriguing recording by vibraphonist Moran and his trio with Gary Versace on the Hammond B3 and Tom Rainey on drums. Of the three, I am most familiar with Versace, who Moran calls one of the most amazing musicians he has worked with. Moran himself is a former DownBeat Rising Star on the vibes. Moran himself has worked with such forward-thinking musicians as William Parker, John Hollenbeck, and Nate Wooley. This unusual configuration explores the interesting themes Moran has provided with his compositions.

The music is free-flowing, working with polytonality and polyrhythms, while also displaying an alluring melodic quality. This is evident in the opening “Ripples,” where they develop the melody from the harmonic progressions. Versace produces bass lines that provide texture under the leader’s melodic statements while Rainey propels the trio. “Spring” opens with a duet of Moran repeating a simple riff against Rainey’s energetic polyrhythms. Both Versace and Moran solo at length over Rainey’s complex rhythms.

The interplay between the three makes those tracks and others such as “Chord Conversation” so stimulating. The trio engages the listener in the manner the performances get structured from the underlying elements, including the use of polytonality and dissonance. The blend of their musical intelligence and formidable technique, along with their empathic interplay results in the fresh and stimulating music here.

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here is trio playing "Play Ball" from a prior album by the trio.