Synergy

Throughout his career, Arthur Blythe has appeared with a wide variety of instrumentation, always willing to try new ensemble sounds. On this date, Blythe is teamed in a trio with the talented cellist David Eyges and the flexible drummer Bruce Ditmas. Blythe's bluesy and soulful tone, along with his ability to caress a melody, makes his adventurous flights more accessible than one might expect. David Eyges holds the group together by playing both supportive basslines (although obviously in a higher register) and soloing along with Blythe, while Bruce Ditmas keeps the momentum of the music flowing. All nine selections on the date were co-composed by the three musicians, so it is quite possible that they are largely free improvisations. However, the interplay between the players, the gradual development of the often fiery performances, and the strong (and sometimes joyful) melodies that pop up are so coherent that the music sounds as if it were more planned in advance than it probably was. Well worth checking out.