This trio from New Orleans has got it down. Drums, bass and wind (tenor or clarinet, depending) traversing a rambling road. Shawn Myers and Trey Boudreau lay down the ever-bubbling foundation, and Byron Asher fleshes out the melodies along the way.

Nutria Meeting in Progress (Ears & Eyes)

But while each song is defined by the rhythm, Asher's ideas bring the pictures fully into focus (full disclosure: as I wrote this review, I realized that Asher is the son of my wife's former long-time boss. Small world!). The three members have a feel for each other's strengths and needs that lead to a truly unified sound.

The stripped-down sound of this album might lead a listener to think Nutria is more experimental than it is. I like that, actually. While these songs are meticulously written and played, there is always room for jazz to happen. Nutria takes its time, never rushing to conclusions.

Don't mistake deliberate speed for a lack of intensity. The depth of feeling to these songs is created by the way each member relates to the other. A most engaging bit of ruminative jazz. Nutria sets a mood and then proceeds to paint the walls. Quietly amazing.

Jon Worley