Dewar's on soprano, Hughes handles the double bass, and Popple deals in percussion (including vibraphone). "Reflejo" is a three-part composition by Dewar. The other four tracks are untitled improvisations. Those are the bare facts.

Andrew Raffo Dewar John Hughes Chad Poppe Reflejo (pfMENTUM)

"Reflejo" has many improvised moments, of course. This is jazz, and the wild side of jazz at that. Dewar, Hughes and Popple have an easy intimacy, and they don't rush their ideas. Both "Reflejo" and the straight improvisations move at deliberate paces, giving plenty of space and time to process their power.

Which isn't to say this doesn't find the outer reaches. Dewar has a lovely tone and a fine ear for melody. And he is more than willing to push all that as hard and far as it will go. Hughes and Popple exercise some restraint in service to the whole, but they, too, know when to abandon all constraints.

Jazz is improvisational by nature. What these guys play is more improvisational than most, though it remains within what might be considered "standard" jazz. There is structure, and the improvisations fit within it. I feel like I'm overexplaining this. This trio has made some challenging and beautiful music. It doesn't fit neatly in a box. I think I'm going to enjoy exploring it for some time to come.

That'll do.

Jon Worley