3D Jazz Trio Christmas in 3D

3D Jazz Trio
Christmas in 3D
DIVA Jazz

Only a few months ago, this writer reviewed the 3D Jazz Trio's "I Love To See You Smile," a recording that certainly left listeners smiling. Now the trio of pianist Jackie Warren, bassist and fiddler Amy Shook, and drummer Sherrie Maricle return with a swinging dose of holiday cheer.

The strength of these recordings of songs that are mostly familiar are the arrangements and the vitality of the trio's playing. "Winter Wonderland" is a sparkling performance with Warren's improvisation going far beyond simple melodic embellishments. It is followed by a fabulous calypso treatment of "Up On The Housetop," with an irresistible rhythmic pulse. This track and the Afro-Cuban arrangement of "O Christmas Tree" showcase Maricle's infectious groove making. Amy Shook's fiddle at the beginning of "Please Daddy (Don't Get Drunk This Christmas)" opens the piece as a country hoedown stomp before the performance segues into a rollicking shuffle.

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" begins as a duet between Shook and Maricle before Warren enters with a solo hinting at the familiar melody. Warren also dazzles on a sprite interpretation of "Greensleeves." The trio's love of Latin grooves is reflected In the Brazilian-spirited treatment of the folk hymn "I Wonder As I Wander," while the trio provides a spirited rendition of "White Christmas." "Silent Night" opens with Warren's gospel-inspired piano before Shook and Maricle add a restrained backing. Shook adds a bowed solo set against Warren's chords and Maricle's deft use of brushes.

A delightful swinging treatment of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" closes this album. The joyful "Christmas in 3D" is not merely a terrific holiday album, but also an outstanding piano trio recording.

I received a copy to review from a publicist.

3D Jazz Trio I Love To See You Smile

3D Jazz Trio
I Love To See You Smile
DIVA Jazz

The 3D Jazz Trio is an offshoot of the Diva Jazz Orchestra, which is led by drummer Sherrie Maricle. Also, it includes Orchestra members, Jackie Warren on piano, and Amy Shook on bass. Back in late 2017, I reviewed an album by the three as by 3 Divas. All three have impressive resumes as players, composers, and educators, and I found this earlier recording to be "a marvelous recording by a superb trio.'

The same strengths they exhibited on the prior recording are here. The three are marvelous instrumentalists who have developed telepathic chemistry. They have selected some excellent songs to interpret, starting with the title track (from the film "Parenthood"), with its easy groove. Shook's bass is an anchor on this while Maricle swings, and Warren's displays her adept fluid, lyrical piano. Warren's playing on the oft-recorded "Besame Mucho" displays her sense of dynamics and ability to caress a melody as she does in her solo intro. After the intro, the trio's performance segues into a tropical groove. The trio's affinity for Latin Jazz is also showcased on a buoyant "Recado Bossa Nova."

Evoking Junior Mance, the three play a rollicking rendition of Jimmy Smith's "Back to the Chicken Shack," with Maricle adding some rhythmic explosions. "Angel Eyes" places the spotlight on Shook with her bass intro and also her Arco playing over Warren's softly played riff and Maricle's brushes. They close with "L.O.V.E," which is a tribute to Maurice Hines, Jr., who brought the trio together. It was featured in Hines' musical "Tappin' Through Life," and the trio's rendition ends another superlative album on an exhilarating note.

I received a download to review from a publicist. Here is a video of the 3D Jazz Trio performing "Back at the Chicken Shack."