Rating: NNN
This ain’t your father’s jazz, but if your dad likes it then he’s probably an OK guy. Relying mainly on improvisation, Downing and Tronzo coax a variety of unconventional sounds from their double bass and slide guitar and play with many styles of music, notably old blues and country. Velodrome is a fun listen and a nice tonic for those who think jazz is all either self-indulgent instrumental wankery or Diana Krall.
Downing and Tronzo play the Distillery Jazz Fest Saturday and Sunday (May 21 and 22).
