Joe McPhee, shown here in a different performance, played on Saturday with Trio X. | taken by Wikimedia user Schorle

by Luke Stewart

Joe McPhee is a jazz musician who, like many of his generation, has always taken the approach of moving the music forward while constantly exploring new sounds, emotions and instruments. He is one of the few saxophonists who have successfully mastered not only the iconic metallic reed instrument but also the trumpet, a feat not easily achieved.

McPhee, 70, graced our D.C. Metro Region on Saturday, Oct. 2 in a performance at Joe’s Movement Emporium. This performing arts center in Mt. Rainier, Md. has become a major destination for the greats in contemporary and classic avant music thanks to Transparent Productions, a local organization dedicated to promoting experimental jazz. Joe’s Movement Emporium is hosting Transparent Productions shows throughout the fall (read more about it here and find the full schedule here).

McPhee, who played at Transparent Productions’ first show 13 years ago, performed on Saturday with his Trio X during what was the last stop on their U.S. tour. This group, which formed in 1997 during New York’s Vision Festival, represents a rarity not only because of its music: It’s seldom in the world of “jazz” and its extensions for a group to stay together for such a long period. And the trio’s performance exemplified the positive results of an avant group that has had the time to merge in creative continuity and imaginative freedom, without a great deal of superfluous honking.

— Click to download “Journey” by Trio X (mp3) —

McPhee’s tone is no doubt his most enduring quality. His mastery of the saxophone was apparent with every controlled squeak followed by a sweet resolution. What was most impressive was his handling of the trumpet, which was in fact his first instrument. Clearly influenced by the forward-thinking icon Bill Dixon, McPhee displayed a disciplined yet freethinking approach to his improvisations. In musical dedications to not only Dixon, but Chet Baker as well, McPhee showed that he was deeply engaged in conversation with his musical ancestors.

Jay Rosen’s precision on the drums was startling. His playing was a perfect example of controlled looseness, connecting a string of specific rhythms to create a complete musical sentence, rather than ecstatic bursts of emotional reflex.

Dominic Duval was a treat to hear. His mastery of the bass came across in his refusal to attack the instrument. Instead, it seemed he has moved past incessant, thunderous plucking of the strings, focusing on precision and letting his beautiful, warm tone provide the natural presence. No note was out of tune the whole night. He was completely fluid as he conversed with the rest of the ensemble, contributing to and supporting the trio’s oneness.

Trio X has already solidified its place in the pantheon of avant music, but it continues to push the boundaries of a stripped-down chamber group. Together, three masters create a sound that looks forward while staying grounded in what has become a tradition of free thought. Moving from free improvisations to original compositions to a beautiful rendition of Thelonious Monk’s “’Round Midnight” to dedication songs, Trio X showed what depths three legends performing together for more than a decade can reach. There are few who can match their cohesiveness in improvised results.

Comments

comments