Wiring

It really should be Trio 4 by now! For their previous four albums the threesome has added a pianist to the ranks, first Geri Allen, then Irene Schweizer, then Allen again, and lastly Jason Moran. Now on Wiring Vijay Iyer takes over the piano stool. You could argue that with their credentials saxophonist Oliver Lake (World Saxophone Quartet), bassist Reggie Workman (John Coltrane) and drummer Andrew Cyrille (Cecil Taylor) don't need assistance from anyone. But each guest subtly changes the dynamic, and Iyer's presence reboots the pointer on the inside/outside spectrum marginally towards the tradition.

Iyer becomes an integral part of the outfit, whether stretching out simultaneously with the saxophonist, or comping energetically behind him. He contributes the bouyant supercharged opener "The Prowl," and also the three part "Suite for Trayvon (and Thousands More)," which moves from muscular swagger, via graceful unisons and jaunty tattoo, to a final "Adagio" which features funereal piano and a bittersweet alto melody. It also prompts a particularly fine solo from the pianist, which sees clusters of notes carefully pitched in the pockets of the churning rhythm.
(www.allaboutjazz.com)