Rodrigo Amado Motion Trio & Jeb Bishop, The Flame Alphabet

It should come as no surprise to those who know their work that pitting tenor Rodrigo Amado with trombonist Jeb Bishop is an excellent idea. They join forces as Jeb joins Amado's Motion Trio in the incandescent scorcher The Flame Alphabet (Not Two 896-2).

Both players are among the very best out there today; both have made their mark on the post-bop avant jazz scene. And both play hard and well with absolute consistency. The Motion Trio context also is an excellent one, with Miguel Mira's cello and Gabriel Ferrandini's drums providing closely paired strength and freedom.

The five numbers are group inventions, a torrid yet very articulate fire. This is some of Rodrigo's and Jeb's best work of late and the foursome really kick modern tail. The front line interacts beautifully together too.

I could say a great deal more but instead I will say, "just go get it and if you like new jazz it will NOT disappoint." These are folks doing some of the most important new improvised music you can hear today!