Gary Peacock Trio, Tangents (ECM)
If the seasoned listener heard “Blue In Green†and the love theme from “Spartacus†first, the trio’s evocative approach could lead him to anticipate a collection inspired by the legacy of Bill Evans. But the album ranges further and wider. Peacock’s bass is at the sonic and emotional center of this second release by his trio. His 31–year collaboration with pianist Keith Jarrett and drummer Jack DeJohnette ended when Jarrett disbanded in 2014. Interaction among Peacock, pianist Marc Copland and drummer Joey Baron bolsters the music, although all three perform with plenty of indivdual virtuosity that includes Copland’s lyricism and the shimmering magic of Baron’s cymbal work. Freedom is an operating principle, from the musings of Peacock’s “Contact†to the stirrings in Baron’s aptly titled “Cauldron†and the free collective improvisation of “Empty Forest.†“Rumblin’†and “Talkin’ Blues†acknowledge the music’s roots.