Tarbaby, You Think This America Review

Tarbaby: Converse Within The Trio Format

by Nolan DeBuke

In today’s landscape where technology allows for one to have a vast catalog of piano trios with the modern jazz piano trio format having countless interpretations, Tarbaby’s latest release, You Think This America, brings a new perspective from pianist Orrin Evans, bassist Eric Revis, and drummer Nasheet Waits. Released under Giant Steps Records in 2024, this album, recorded live at Hunter College in 2022, is a solid set exploration in a trio setting.

Tarbaby, formed in the late 1990s, has been a mainstay in the jazz world, often collaborating with notable guest artists. However, You Think This America marks the trio’s first foray into an all-trio set, and the result is a ten song set kindred musical connection and individual expression.

The album opens with Ornette Coleman’s “Dee Dee,” a performance through a light swing feel that sets the tone for the trio’s dynamic interplay and playful musical conversation. The track features each player performing a unique part that plays with the swing feel as the dialogue moves in and out of the obvious swing feel. This subtlety is a hallmark of Tarbaby’s approach, presenting a conversation that balances individual expression and group interaction.

David Murray’s “Mirror of Youth” is modern jazz exploration based in a flowing straight eight groove feel. The rhythmic conversation between Evans and Waits is excellent.

Evans’ “Red Door” is a fine example of the trio’s chemistry, showcasing an elated theme that melds fragments of post-bop and Latin influences. Waits groove is the glue that binds the harmonic exploration of Revis and Evans. This Evans composition also gives the trio room to play with the pulse and feel, as the trio makes their elastic groove an evolving music expiration. Waits’ “Kush” offers us a conversation in waltz time with a more melodic touch, displaying the trio’s versatility.

Jimmy Cox’s “Nobody Knows When You’re Down and Out,” opens with a fine solo statement by Revis warm woody bass, which sets up the relaxed swing feel. This track and Sunny Murray’s “Tree Tops,” features wonderful brush playing by Waits.

The selection of tracks on You Think This America reflects the trio’s democratic process in choosing their repertoire. Evans explains, “Everyone brings in different things. Sometimes it’s just an idea. It’s fun. I mean, it’s hard because some of it I haven’t heard, you know. There were new tunes but it’s exciting to me to check things out.” This collaborative spirit is evident in the seamless transitions and cohesive sound throughout the album.

Notable among the covers is Jimmy Cox’s blues standard “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out,” delivered with a sensitivity that pays homage to its storied history while injecting fresh energy. The trio’s rendition of The Stylistics’ “Betcha By Golly Wow” stands out for its romanticism and unexpected pairing with Bowie’s “Life On Mars” in its emotive delivery.

The live setting of this recording adds an element of immediacy and authenticity to the performances. Revis comments on this, noting, “All of us started our recording careers with you go into the studio and you knock something out in four hours. There was a certain urgency about it. So, for us, the fact that it’s live, I don’t know if that really made any kind of a difference because we kind of have that mind frame anyway.” This urgency and the process of discovery imbue each track with a sense of unrepeatable moments, capturing the essence of live jazz.

You Think This America is a compelling addition to Tarbaby’s discography, showcasing the trio’s ability to converse seamlessly within the trio format. The album’s 10 tracks, clocking in at just under an hour, offer a well-curated mix of classics, originals, and unexpected covers, demonstrating the trio’s range and deep musical camaraderie. As Giant Step Arts continues to support and promote modern jazz performers, Tarbaby’s latest effort exemplifies the power of the jazz piano trio format, resulting in a fulfilling and engaging listening experience.