Phil Robson - The Cut off Point (feat. Ross Stanley & Gene Calderazzo) (2015) [Hi-Res]

The ever-searching, eclectic guitarist Phil Robson has released four contrasting solo records to date and is known throughout the world for his contribution to the long-running quartet Partisans (their release Swamp won Album Of The Year in the 2015 Parliamentary Jazz Awards in the UK where he's based). As a sideman he’s performed with Kenny Wheeler, Mark Turner, Billy Hart, Barbara Streisand, Django Bates, Christine Tobin, among others.

Now with a recently-formed organ trio – having revealed and honed new material during their summer 2014 tour, followed by recording in the fall – Robson, Ross Stanley (Hammond organ) and Gene Calderazzo (drums) release their debut The Cut Off Point. Influenced by the jazz eminence of Pat Martino, Wes Montgomery and John McLaughlin, but also with a heavier rock-grooving predilection, this close-knit triumvirate punch their way through seven of the leader’s compositions, as well as a hustling interpretation of a number by US saxman David Liebman.

The organ trio format offers fascinating opportunities – Robson writing specifically with this in mind – affording the guitar the flexibility to carry melodies in different ways, roaming freely against the solid low voicings and varietal registrations, textures and dynamics of Stanley’s authentic Hammond. And with that unmistakable, saturated sound palette, Stanley is authoritative in the combined role he provides: a chordist, bassist and soloist dualizing improvisational diversity with the fluctuating distortion and tender shaping of Robson’s guitar. Drummer Gene Calderazzo (who shares a long association with Robson) displays a telepathic ability to respond to every rhythmic twist and turn; his shifting, chameleon-like colorizations here quite different to the density of his work with Partisans.

From the swinging ebullience of Herbie Hancock-styled 'Thief' to the lofty spaciality of 'Astral' (dedicated to Kenny Wheeler), the mercurial moods of 'Second Thoughts' to the quirky, almost ‘60s sci-fi feel of 'Dimi and the Blue Men' and effervescent angularity of title track 'The Cut Off Point', here is a recording that takes the organ trio format into fresh spheres, and the groove is irresistible.

PERSONNEL
Phil Robson - guitars
Ross Stanley - Hammond organ
Gene Calderazzo - drums

Tracklist:
01. Phil Robson - Thief (feat. Gene Calderazzo & Ross Stanley) (6:01)
02. Phil Robson - Second Thoughts (feat. Gene Calderazzo & Ross Stanley) (7:55)
03. Phil Robson - Dimi and the Blue Men (feat. Gene Calderazzo & Ross Stanley) (8:16)
04. Phil Robson - Vintage Vista (feat. Gene Calderazzo & Ross Stanley) (6:16)
05. Phil Robson - Astral (feat. Gene Calderazzo & Ross Stanley) (8:20)
06. Phil Robson - The Cut off Point (feat. Gene Calderazzo & Ross Stanley) (4:19)
07. Phil Robson - Berlin (feat. Gene Calderazzo & Ross Stanley) (5:56)
08. Phil Robson - Ming the Merciless (feat. Gene Calderazzo & Ross Stanley) (5:54)