ASA Trio

June 13, 2011 · Posted in Iceland, Jazz

ASA Trio Plays the Music of Thelonious Monk (2011)

Thelonious Monk ranks among the best composers of the 20th Century. Most of what he wrote he recorded with his own ensembles and his recordings are well-known and prized in jazz circles. It’s always interesting to see how a band will cover these tunes six decades later.

Iceland’s ASA Trio tackles this project with flair on their latest release. Guitarist Andres Thor, organist Agnar Magnusson, and drummer Scott McLemore formed their trio five years ago, and the first tune they played together was Monk’s “Bemsha Swing” which kicks off this record. It’s fitting that for their third release they have returned to their own roots.

Monk himself was a piano player and his compositions were often geared to his particular style of playing. He’s also known for the great saxophone players he worked with, including Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Gerry Mulligan, Charlie Rouse, and Steve Lacy. I like that this trio contains neither piano nor saxophone. It lets the compositions shine without overt comparisons to how Monk played a particular phrase or how Sonny or Trane took a solo. All three players get to stretch out and explore these wonderful melodies, harmonies, and rhythms in their own way.

The choice of compositions here is impressive. It’s a great mix that starts with the tunes we all know like “Criss Cross,” “Straight, No Chaser,” and my favorite Monk tune, “Ask Me Now.” It also includes sleepers like “Green Chimneys” and “Boo Boo’s Birthday.”

Both Thor and Magnusson are strong soloists, but even more exciting on this recording is how they support each other. They know when to hold back, when to fade away, and when to punch and accent. McLemore is an extraordinarily musical drummer who brings a welcome sense of texture to the ensemble. The interplay between the three musicians makes for a number of great musical moments within each piece, tied together with a solid groove with just the right amount of fluidity.

ASA Trio brings a fresh approach to classic Monk’s compositions that is musically satisfying, emotionally fulfilling, and enjoyable on every level. This band from Iceland is strongly recommended.