PAPATAMUS REDUX

SUNNYSIDE RECORDS  (RELEASED NOVEMBER 1, 2024)

The cover of Matt Slocum’s Lion’s Dance depicts three mighty lions following each other in a circular pattern. That’s an apt graphic depiction of what you will hear on this recording. The three mighty lions are Slocum on drums, Walter Smith III on tenor sax and Larry Grenadier on bass, and they intuitively and creatively follow and complement one another on a set of five originals, two standards and a Monk tune. Much like the cover illustration, it is difficult to determine which lion is leading the pack, yet together, they are pursuing a path that has been charted by the pianoless trios that have preceded them. Like lions, there are times when they roar, purr, prowl or simply gaze at the stars. They roar on tracks such as the straight-ahead swinger “Consolation Prize,” and the funky beat of “Dettifoss.” They purr on the two standards — “What Is There To Say” and “This Is All I Ask.” They prowl through the rhythmic changes of “Lion’s Dance,” the freer mood of “Castle Canyon” and the twists and turns of Monk’s “We See.” “Persona,” which closes the session, is a hypnotic mode perfect for star gazing. Each tune offers its own pleasant surprises such as Smith’s passive/aggressive solo on “Consolation Prize,” Grenadier’s fluid and strong bass lines on “Persona” and Slocum’s masterful brush strokes on “What Is There To Say.” There is no question, that Lion’s Dance is proof that Slocum, Smith and Grenadier are the kings of the jungle in modern day pianoless trios.

BOTTOM LINE:  Without the safety net of a chordal instrument, Slocum and his trio of Walter Smith III on tenor and Larry Grenadier on bass create a sound that falls between the classic pianoless sessions of Sonny Rollins and Lee Konitz. On “Consolation Prize” the sound is sharp and aggressive, yet on ballads such as “What Is There To Say,” it’s cool and embracing. A very welcome addition to the oeuvre of pianoless trios.