It's an interesting trio, if only geographically and therefore stylistically: a Greek bassist, an Estonian pianist and an Israeli drummer come together to record an album. The result? One of the most musical jazz albums of the year.

Three quarters of an hour's playing time is enough to hammer the point home: masters at work here with refreshing ease. The recording is neither a technical showroom nor does it serve to profile experts. The trio seems more interested in telling stories - for example in Day Break, which is very easy to follow.

In general, it seems to be more about music as a carrier of mood. “In the musical dialogs documented in this recording, the three masterful musicians explore the realm of the unspoken and overlooked,” the accompanying text informs us. And ignores the fact that musical dialog is not quite so easy with a trio when everyone is talking at the same time.

But music is rarely a dialog, but rather a joint conversation, a synchronously timed exchange about something that grows in sensitive cooperation beyond the individual message to a comprehensive statement and, in the best case, takes the listener along with it. Bassist Klampanis, pianist Randalu and drummer Ravitz have clearly achieved this. And thus also a really nice jazz album. (Thomas Semmler, HighResMac)

Declared a “bass ace” by Bass Player Magazine, acclaimed bassist, composer, and producer Petros Klampanis grew up in Greece, surrounded by the confluence of Mediterranean and Balkan folk music.

Now living between New York and Athens, Greece, Klampanis brings a curious approach to his

music, always seeking unique ways to integrate elements from multiple genres, ranging from classical to pop. His varied musical life marries aggressive melodicism, beautiful intonation, and a uniquely personal sound in all the projects he leads or produces.

“A formidable player and composer.” — JazzTimes

“Petros Klampanis is a musician who has always spoken from the heart.” — DownBeat Magazine

"I admit that I am always impressed when I hear a musician like Klampanis give us the gift of his creativity performed on such a timeless vessel." — Bass Musician Magazine

Kristjan Randalu, piano
Petros Klampanis, bass, programming, electronics, voice
Ziv Ravitz, drums

Recorded by George Karyotis at Sierra Studios, Athens, GR
Mixed by Petros Klampanis & George Karyotis
Mastered by Christoph Stickel
Produced by Petros Klampanis

Photo: ©Dimitris Lambridis