| 1 | Smells Like Teen Spirit | |
| 2 | ECM | |
| 3 | Benny's Tune | |
| 4 | Caravan | |
| 5 | Alone Together | |
| 6 | Wrong Together | |
| 7 | Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds | |
| 8 | Blackbird | |
| 9 | Forgetting I Knew | |
| 10 | Ela E Carioca | |
| 11 | Seventh-Four Walkup | |
| 12 | Better Lately | |
| 13 | Lambastin' | |
| 14 | Interlude | |
| 15 | Beautiful Love | |
| 16 | Tres Palabras | |
| 17 | Speak Low |
Art Fristoe Trio – DoubleDown (Merry Lane Records, 2017)
Experience the inventive and highly acclaimed double-CD release from Texan pianist Art Fristoe. DoubleDown showcases a masterful blend of contemporary jazz, balancing neo-bop sensibilities with post-Corea block chord voicings and subtle jazz-rock textures. Flanked by electric bassist Tim Ruiz and a rotating rhythm section featuring drummers Daleton Lee and Richard Cholakian, Fristoe delivers a performance that is both technically virtuoso and deeply melodic.
The 17-track collection is celebrated for its creative arrangements that bridge the gap between reimagined standards and evocative originals. Highlighting the trio's versatility, the set opens with a lyrical, melancholic rendition of Nirvana’s "Smells Like Teen Spirit," turning a grunge staple into a nuanced jazz statement. From the "silky-smooth" interplay on Fristoe’s original "Benny’s Tune" to the rhythmic exploration of "Seventh-Four Walkup," this album resonates with constant creativity.
Key Tracks & Highlights:
- Genre-Defying Covers: Inventive takes on "Smells Like Teen Spirit," "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," and "Caravan."
- Original Compositions: Standout pieces including "Benny’s Tune" and the fan-favorite "Seventh-Four Walkup."
- Critical Acclaim: Received a "Most Highly Recommended" rating and a near-perfect 4.99 Energy Quotient (EQ).
Whether you are a fan of traditional swing or modern electric piano stylings, DoubleDown is a vital corner of contemporary jazz that belongs in every collection.
