Blue Decco
Violinist Mat Maneri'sBlue Deccois the third installment in Thirsty Ear's Blue Series, an innovative jazz line where adventurous free playing doesn't preclude beautiful melody. An inventive musician who favors haunting tones and angular runs (not to mention the microtonal harmonic frameworks that his father,Joe, developed), Maneri fills the Blue Series bill perfectly. The young violinist uses the talents of rising star pianistCraig Taborn, master bassistWilliam Parker, and gifted drummer Gerald Cleaver. The four intuitive players work well together as they romp their way through a program that is varied and fun, with a few surprises thrown in. While some outward-bound group's music seems overly shrill or brash, this group's combination of violin, bass, and piano--each a stringed instrument--lends the music a nice airy sound that belies some very intense work. Maneri's best album to date,Blue Deccois a great introduction to one of jazz violin's leading lights.--Tad Hendrickson