SLAMCD274 3bpm – First Hearing

This first CD from Oxfordshire based ‘3bpm’ captures the spirit of a classic acoustic Jazz trio.

There is a real organic feel to the recording which takes the listener on a journey from the bluesy Van Morrison opener ‘Cleaning Windows’ through exciting Latin cross rhythms of ‘As Above’ to the delicious dream-like qualities of Ivor Lin’s ‘The Island’. Martin Pickett, Paul Jefferies and Ben Twyford have ample space in which to showcase their musical skills, the band works as a cohesive unit and the three original pieces by Pickett demonstrate a musical maturity that makes the whole album a melodic and rhythmic treat.

Martin Pickett: piano
Paul Jefferies: double bass
Ben Twyford: drums

“Young and exciting jazz trio…The invigorating playfulness of Van Morrison’s Cleaning Windows jumps straight out and captivates from the very first bars. There’s an honesty and immediacy at work across the 11 tracks herein, with Martin’s originals standing favourably against such gems as Elvis Costello’s Baby Plays Around Tom Waits’ Jockey Full of Bourbon and Pat Methany’s The Red One. The potential-packed trio display a collective maturity throughout and gel most pleasingly during an absorbing version of the Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush hit Don’t Give Up.” – Keith Ames, Musician

“A strikingly conceived programme of pop and folk songs plus three excellent originals by Pickett. Elvis Costello’s “Baby Plays Around” proves surprisingly amenable to a jazz treatment, while the simple structures of “Scarborough Fayre” yield a totally convincing re-composition. Pat Metheny’s “The Red One” gets a catchy, funky interpretation. This is highly original playing, and in some ways a more persuasive use of contemporary material than Brad Mehldau’s.” – Andy Hamilton, Jazz Review

All arrangements by Martin Pickett, Ben Twyford & Paul Jefferies
Recorded at Porcupine Studios, London on 23rd & 24th July 2007
Mastered by Tim Turan
Produced & engineered by Nick Taylor

SLAM CATALOGUE