Ray Brown, John Clayton, Christian Mcbride - SuperBass 2 (2001) [SACD]

On their own, bassists Ray Brown, John Clayton, and Christian McBride are three of the most talented musicians in jazz today. But, performing together as Superbass, the trio becomes a sublime ensemble, capable of inventive, virtuosic playing with no accompaniment needed or wanted from horns or percussion. Recorded live at the Blue Note club in New York over the course of a couple of sets in December 2000, this disc joyously defies logic--who knew that the upright bass was capable of singing solos from Porgy and Bess?--and standard musical conventions. Together, these guys produce a tender take "My Funny Valentine," an upbeat version of "Get Happy," and a funky Latin jazz number ("Taco with a Pork Chop") that would do Willie Bobo proud. All the while, the threesome is having a great time and taking plenty of solo turns. They've done this routine before--on the first live Superbass disc--but this one takes the cake; the playing is incredible. A fun disc. --Jason Verlinde