Get Out of Town

Stevens, Siegel & Ferguson first worked together in the late 1980s and have recorded occasionally since then, though the departure of two members from New York City has meant less regular work together as a group. But mining the archives for a mostly complete session, they chose to get together to record a few new tracks in 2004 to produce this CD. Pianist Michael Jefry Stevens, bassist Jeff Siegel, and drummer Tim Ferguson clearly listen to one another, rather than just have the pianist lead the way with the rhythm section along for the ride, while they explore familiar songs, they choose less common material in place of overdone warhorses. Siegel's intricate solo is the initial focus of "Jeepers Creepers" (a song some might think is old-fashioned, but they prove otherwise), followed by a couple of rollicking choruses by Stevens that have a bit of playful dissonance. "Crazy He Calls Me" is very uncommon in 21st century jazz sessions, but the trio offers a richly textured interpretation. Finally, all three musicians contributed originals to the disc. Stevens' playful jazz waltz "The Last Embrace," Ferguson's intense Latin-flavored "Momentum," and Siegel's somewhat ominous post-bop vehicle "Stealth" prove their respective abilities to conjure up catchy melodies that leave a lasting impression.