Drip Some Grease

The final of three recordings by Three of a Kind for Minor Music is easily their most ambitious project, with a number of potent originals by pianist Peter Madsen and several special guests. Young trumpeter Till Brönner's muted solo sounds surprising mature in the septet arrangement of Benny Golson's "Killer Joe," as he doesn't even seem intimidated by the presence of the composer playing his best-known work for what was probably the thousandth time. Golson, obviously no slouch as a soloist, is followed by trombonist Conrad Herwig, making this track somewhat reminiscent of the Jazztet, though the rhythm section is very different. Vocalist Dee Daniels is added for an emotional rendition of "Autumn Leaves" and a blues-drenched interpretation of "Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You" with the trio. "Panacea" is a brisk Latin-flavored vehicle that showcases Brönner, Golson, Madsen, and drummer Bruce Cox building upon a single riff. Three of a Kind seem to have disbanded following the release of this recording, but this now-deleted CD is well worth acquiring.