...a truly unique and collaborative ensemble. Musical clarity, honesty and soulful performances prevail.
For their fourth Origin release, Portland, Oregon's Upper Left Trio pushes their hallmark interplay to new dynamic and textural heights. Combining introspection with a hard-hitting rhythmic approach, 'Ulternative' signals the next evolutionary step for this eloquent ensemble of pianist Clay Giberson, bassist Jeff Leonard and drummer Charlie Doggett. "Upper Left Trio can boast being one of the more articulate and thoughtful new trios to emerge in the mainstream 21st century." -All About Jazz
1. Smells Like French 5:12
2. Swamped 4:07
3. Particles of Noise (excerpt) 2:26
4. Cross Off the Stars 4:38
5. Fig 5:37
6. Home 5:01
7. Fear & Bright Colors 3:10
8. Steel Wheel 5:58
9. The Crush 4:41
10. After Us 3:31
11. Your Chariot Awaits 5:08
12. True North 6:25
Upper Left Trio is:
CLAY GIBERSON - piano/keyboards
JEFF LEONARD - basses
CHARLIE DOGGETT - drums
Produced by ULT with Steven Cantor
Recorded and mixed by Bob Stark at Kung Fu Bakery, Portland OR
Recorded July 12-14, 2011
Mastered by David Glasser at Airshow Mastering, Boulder, CO
Photograph by J. Alex Kachirisky
Cover design by John Bishop
All About Jazz (Dan McClenaghan)
Portland, Oregon's Upper Left Trio has been together nearly a decade. The group began its recording journey on Origin Records in 2003 with Cycling. Ulternative is the trio's fourth recording for the label, and continues to push its music forward.
The piano trio has, since pianist Bill Evans' late 1950s/early 1960s recordings with bassist Scot ...
The Jazz Word (John Barron)
Portland's Upper Left Trio continues to bring a contemporary leaning to the traditional piano trio format with Ulternative, their fourth release for Origin Records. With a fresh batch of hip tunes by pianist Clay Giberson and bassist Jeff Leonard, this like-minded collaborative relish in progressive improvisational splendor with the willingness to ...