SEAN MASON TRIO

STATE OF THE ART

Taylor Christian Records

Sean Mason, piano; Felix Moseholm, bass; Domo Branch, drums; Reyna Nunez, movement artist; Leandre Douglas, movement Artist.

I viewed the video released to represent the premier song from the Sean Mason Trio album, “State of the Art.”  The first composition is “Secure the Bag.”  It is full of energy and perpetuated with happiness.  It immediately reminded me of something Betty Carter once told me. She complained that the new jazz, the more Avant-garde and free jazz, had destroyed what made people dance to the music. Clearly, Sean Mason’s music is the opposite. It makes you want to dance.

This music is built on spontaneity and collective creation by three musicians who know each other very well.  Also included are two “movement artists” who use dance to exhibit improvisation of movement and artistic freedom. The two appearing in the video, as if hypnotized by the music, move to the rhythms in syncopation. They are Leandre Doublas and Reyna Nunez.

The next song is called “Good Day” spurred by Mason’s staccato notes and piano rhythm patterns. It just makes me want to dance around my music room. The drums of Domo Branch add excitement to the arrangement and Felix Moseholm lets his double bass dance with the groove. They spread joy!

“When I decided to return to trio, I knew I wanted to approach it differently than I had in the past.  In my early days of bandleading, I often led from a place of hierarchy.  I thought being a band leader meant controlling everything.  But now, I’ve grown since then and wanted to build something different. I wanted the mission of the trio to help everyone become more like themselves. And even though I’m still the bandleader, I didn’t want the bass and drums to simply accompany the piano.  I wanted all three musicians to feel equally responsible for shaping the direction of the music,” Sean Mason explained in his liner notes.

All of the compositions on this album are penned by Mason. I think Mason has the same groove power that Ramsey Lewis displayed. He loves the trio displaying the function of a big band “shout” chorus.  You hear this on his third track, “Honey Pie.”

When drummer, Domo Branch puts down his sticks and accompanies with his hands on the trap drum skins, it adds another dimension to the tune, “Carolina Waltz.”  As the arrangement progresses, it moves into double-time that infuses it with energy. Towards the ending, the tune resolves, returning to a slow waltz ballad.  One of his compositions titled “This or That” is played as a traditional shuffle with Felix Moseholm taking an inspired bass solo.  They close with “One United (Live at Dizzy’s Club)” to much excitement and audience applause.

Sean Mason’s trio makes you want to get up and dance. Laughter and fun reach like fingers from this production, to tickle our ears and feet.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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