Jazz’s Resurgence and Musicmusicmusic’s "Just a Gigolo"
Jazz, often seen as existing outside the mainstream commercial music industry, is experiencing a resurgence, much like indie rock before it. This genre continually evolves, challenges established norms and traditions, and possesses a sense of humor often lacking in contemporary rock. Musicmusicmusic, a trio celebrating their twentieth anniversary, embodies this spirit of innovation and playful irreverence. Their latest album, "Just a Gigolo," reflects their longstanding embrace of an anti-aesthetic, evident in the album art featuring a roadside banner with a deliberately unattractive font promising customer satisfaction. This seemingly haphazard approach underscores the band’s unconventional artistic sensibilities and their willingness to challenge conventional aesthetics.
From their inception, Musicmusicmusic positioned themselves as a "garage band" of jazz, fueled by an experimental ethos and a penchant for free improvisation. Their earlier work showcased a raw, unpolished sound. However, their more recent releases, "Oversized" 1 and 2, demonstrated a greater level of sophistication, incorporating additional musicians and more intricate arrangements. With "Just a Gigolo," they return to their original trio format, embracing the reverberant spaces and the subtly jarring background humming that characterized their initial sound. This return to their roots suggests a conscious decision to reconnect with the core elements that define their musical identity.
The album’s cover art, with its deliberately unpolished aesthetic, signals a rejection of conventional marketing strategies. Recorded in a single day, "Just a Gigolo" captures the raw energy and spontaneity of the trio’s performance. The music flows effortlessly, exhibiting a dynamism and swing that maintains a sense of playfulness throughout. The album consists primarily of original compositions by pianist Fabian Kallerdahl, with the exception of the title track. Rather than reinventing this classic, Musicmusicmusic delivers a rendition that showcases their exceptional skill and deep understanding of the jazz tradition. This restraint highlights their confidence in their abilities and their respect for the original material.
The trio’s tight-knit interplay is evident throughout the album. Michael Edlund’s drumming and Josef Kallerdahl’s bass provide a solid foundation, equal in importance to Fabian Kallerdahl’s piano. This balanced interplay creates a rich and nuanced sonic landscape that underscores the collaborative nature of their music-making. Beyond the technical proficiency, the album also reveals an emotional depth. This is expressed through the narrative arc of the compositions, the carefully crafted chord progressions, and the overall sense of vitality that the trio generates. In essence, they deliver on their promise of customer satisfaction, offering a listening experience that is both engaging and rewarding.
"Just a Gigolo" showcases Musicmusicmusic’s enduring commitment to pushing the boundaries of jazz. Their return to the trio format, the raw energy of their performance, and the deliberate anti-aesthetic of the album art all contribute to a unique and compelling listening experience. This album stands as a testament to the band’s ongoing evolution and their ability to find new and exciting ways to express themselves within the jazz idiom. The album’s standout track, "27," encapsulates the trio’s ability to blend technical mastery with emotional resonance, making it a highlight of their return to form.
Beyond Musicmusicmusic, the contemporary jazz scene offers a diverse range of artists exploring different facets of the genre. Elin Forkelid’s "Songs to keep you company on a dark night" provides a mellow and introspective listening experience, blending elements of bebop and lounge jazz. Shabaka’s EP "Possesion" features the intriguing collaboration between saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings and André 3000, exploring the interplay between their respective musical styles. John Zorn’s "Ou Phrontis" presents complex compositions inspired by Stoic philosophy, performed by a responsive piano trio, demonstrating the genre’s capacity for intellectual and philosophical engagement. These diverse offerings highlight the ongoing dynamism and creativity within the world of jazz, showcasing the genre’s ability to adapt and evolve while staying true to its core principles. Musicmusicmusic’s "Just a Gigolo" contributes significantly to this vibrant landscape, offering a refreshing and engaging take on the jazz tradition.
