Today’s Sounds: Tyson Naylor Trio

Vancouver pianist Tyson Naylor has played in alt-rock and folk bands, studied improvisation with François Houle, spent three years in the Berlin scene and cites Thelonius Monk and Professor Longhair as early influences. These diverse interests all somehow coalesce on this highly enjoyable debut album.

Record:

Tyson Naylor Trio Kosmonauten (Songlines)

 
Vancouver pianist Tyson Naylor has played in alt-rock and folk bands, studied improvisation with François Houle, spent three years in the Berlin scene and cites Thelonius Monk and Professor Longhair as early influences. These diverse interests all somehow coalesce on this highly enjoyable debut album.

The nine originals walk a fine line between composition and improvisation while retaining a transparency that creates tunes that stick. Take the first track, “Paolo Conte,” named in honour of the Italian singer and pianist. Its tight and catchy theme gushes out of the opening moments, a succession of major keys harmonizing a simple melody, breathing after each declaration. A freeform section follows, a dirge-like arco bassline arising from almost silence, eventually joined by drums, then piano. An insistent bass vamp restarts after another pause, echoed and elaborated on by the piano, subtly building to a crescendo. By the time the head returns to take the tune out, you realize that the melody was never far from the surface.

The second cut “Book It” is pure rock ’n’ roll, the few jazzy touches not disturbing the drive. Although a little less frantic, if you have heard the title track from William Parker’s In Order to Survive, you have a good idea of the genre.

Bassist Russell Sholberg and Skye Brooks on drums are Left Coast regulars, members of the Aeroplane Trio and Tony Wilson’s Sextet, among many others. They provide more than support here. Sholberg’s lines in particular are pivotal, often foreshadowing changes in form. Brooks shades and punches, yet never overpowers.

Clarinettist Houle joins the trio on two lengthy tracks, gently leading off the ballad “See Through It” with a quiet refrain, but soon exhibiting his trademark twisted lines. His second contribution is on “Beelitz,” an episodic structure of varied pace. Naylor is not afraid to use silence, often to great effect.

“PKP” is yet another rocker reminiscent of Myra Melford, another pianist who skirts jazz, pop and improv, embedding strong hooks and almost easy listening melodies within free structures.  Like Melford, Naylor knows how to take the tunes out while never leaving them tuneless.

All tracks are worthwhile with gusts to addictive, urging you to hit replay. While I look forward to more from Naylor, this one will satisfy for a while.
 

Track:

Hospitality, “Monkey”

 
This Merge Records band from Brooklyn rocks out with their simian pop out. Have a listen.
 

 

Video:

Crystal Castles, “Plague”

 
Savour the ’70s horror vibes of this latest video by the Toronto duo, directed by Ivan Grbin. They play at Metropolis with Health and Kontravoid on Saturday, Oct. 7, 8 p.m., $35.50–$42.20

Leave a Reply