Nick Mazzarella

Although he is well-accustomed to working in other settings, alto saxophonist Nick Mazzarella is perhaps at his strongest in a trio format: specifically, the sax-bass-drums configuration that allows for both maximum harmonic freedom and focused rhythmic interaction. In 2017 his Meridian Trio (featuring bassist Matt Ulery and drummer Jeremy Cunningham) released Triangulum (Clean Feed), an excellent free-bop outing with razor-sharp improvisations and engaging compositions. On Counterbalance he's working with bassist Anton Hatwich and drummer Frank Rosaly. This unit goes back to 2008, so there's some deep history here. And it shows. Recorded live in Chicago in 2018, the fourth album by this accomplished trio reflects a decade of growth and development, with music that places a premium on the group's well-honed collective concept.

PERSONNEL:

• Nick Mazzarella - alto saxophone
• Anton Hatwich - bass
• Frank Rosaly - drums

Recorded in Chicago, January 19, 2018

TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• 01. Phonetic
• 02. The Puzzle
• 03. About Looking

• SIDE B
• 01. Counterbalance
• 02. Headway
• 03. Innermost