National Jazz Trio of Scotland - Standards Vol. III

by Maarten Schiethart

published: 14 / 7 / 2014

National Jazz Trio of Scotland - Standards Vol. III

Label: Karaoke Kalk
Format: CD

Contemplative and unworldly latest album from misleadingly-titled Scottish folk quartet, the Narional Jazz Trio of Scotland

Review

Don't you worry. In terms of martiality, the National Jazz Trio of Scotland proves quite harmless. This foursome of three women with just the one man, Bill Wells, does not even play jazz music. Their attitude perhaps counts as being jazz, but sonic folk would sooner capture their rather unique brand and blend of music. Their jazz music steers clear, very clear, of the use of all the usual suspects in jazz music. Do not expect suspense, tension or originality. Someone in this trio quartet forgot to bring the bass instrument. 'With Me Tonight' sets the mode for a little naughty ride. Remember it's Scottish and a voluptuous attitude cannot be tolerated, which leads to 'Surprising Word' shutting off any sense of elevation or melodic enlightment. The National Jazz Trio of Scotland are cosy closet folkies. The quartet strip their songs down bare to the bone as if they were dubstep acoustics. In these remote sounds lies their deeper beauty. Their solemn rather unworldly quality is best shown on 'Unguarded Moment' which starts off quite promisingly yet then loses itself. The ooh-aah vocals compare to Laurie Anderson's. The harmony vocals are at times stunning. Very much an excursion into contemplation, but the lovely esoteric touches can't however conceal the lack of ideas. Major effort. Standard quality. Jazz by definition can't be as introverted as on here. The National Jazz Trio is in fact the National Folk Quartet. The Scots don't know jazz.

Track Listing:-

1 Alive and Well
2 Rare Species
3 Unguarded Moment
4 Buchanan Street
5 Getting Out
6 Push Your Face
7 With Me Tonight
8 Suprising Word
9 Liar
10 Trying To Escape You