(Jazz, Modern Creative, Fusion) Gene Jackson - Power of Love - 2018, MP3, 320 kbps

Along a career timeline glinting with highlight after highlight, drummer Gene Jackson releases his debut as leader - 'Power of Love'.
Jackson has gained the deserved respect of musical peers and audiences worldwide for his linchpin role in major jazz line-ups from the late 1980s onwards. Initially recording and touring with guitarist Kevin Eubanks, Jackson became the backbone of bands led by Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and Dave Holland, as well as collaborating with a panoply of names including Art Farmer, Christian McBride, Dianne Reeves, Joe Lovano and Hugh Masekela, plus the New York Standards Quartet.
The Philadelphia-born, Tokyo-based rhythm maker returns to the format perhaps most dear to him, with pianist Gabriel Guerrero and double bassist Carlo de Rosa; both of whom he cites as his inspiration, alongside the indelible friendships and experiences forged in both Hancock's and Holland's trios.
Most of the ten, absorbing tracks are individual, original compositions brought in by each member of the trio. "I like to develop ideas that are not governed by tradition or rules", the drummer elaborates, "with the freedom to extend phrases and ideas without limitation. Music is an expression of who you are - and when I write and play, I'm conscious that aspects of my life are in there".
Personnel:
Gene Jackson - drums
Gabriel Guerrero - piano
Carlo De Rosa - double bass
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Recorded, like so many classic jazz recordings, in New Jersey - This time in The Tedesco Studios in Paramus, NJ - we could be witnessing the unveiling of another classic. Only time will tell. What is certain is that it's as good as most piano trios that are currently doing the rounds.
A mix of originals by all three plus a couple by Monk (Played Twice and Ugly Beauty) and one by Cole Porter (I Love You) - where would we be without Cole to fall back on!
Jackson comes to this, his first album as a leader, with an impressive CV that includes Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Dave Holland and Kevin Eubanks to mention but a few.
Drummers should be seen and not heard doesn't apply to Jackson - he makes his presence heard forever asserting his role as more than a mere timekeeper. Well, he would, wouldn't he? - it's his gig! In all fairness though, his contribution does lift the trio well above cocktail lounge status.
Not that there was any chance of them being that. Colombian Guerrero is well schooled in both North American jazz and South American rhythms and harmonies making him the perfect pianist to lay down the compositions, 3 of which are his own (Jackson and De Rosa both have 2) and reflect his love of Afro-Caribbean music. A passion he shares with Jackson.
De Rosa could be described as 'the bassman's bassman' such is his command of the instrument and the endless flow of ideas he unleashes in his solos.
Talking about bassmen, Michael Janisch has once again picked a winner for his Whirlwind label. Whether featuring UK musicians or using his inside knowledge of the New York scene Michael rarely picks an also-ran.
Highly recommended for those who want something more than the traditional piano, bass and drums trio without totally losing the plot.(Review by Lance).AllMusic | Review by Eddie Myer | Amazon

Recorded Tedesco Studios (April 26th 2017)
Engineered by Tom Tedesco
Mixed and mastered at Current Sounds by Bob Ward
Produced by Gene Jackson
Executive Producer – Michael Janisch
Album artwork and design by Gene Jackson
Gene Jackson plays Zildjian Cymbals and Pearl Drums exclusively.