BlueNote
This Robert Balzar Trio CD is very interesting. It is the product of collaboration of its usual members and a well-known virtuoso guitarist John Abercrombie. Considering that the greatest thing about their other albums is wonderful blend of beautiful piano, inventive drums and masterfully played bass, one will agree that adding a guitar to this equation can only yield something great. And more so, it certainly is not A guitar, it's THE guitar of one of the most thoughtful and musically sensitive guitarists out there. (There's a lesson on improvisation taught by Abercrombie on Youtube, I suggest that you watch it, you will be amazed by the way he approaches his playing)
CD starts off by a piece, that is quite sharp and mellow at the same time. Abercrombie clearly establishes his role in this ensemble and keeps it for the rest of this record composed of both his and Balzar's compositions (with the exception of one standard). Pieces are written very well and guitar really fits them.
I'm not really able to choose my favourite track, they are all great, but apart from the first one, I have to mention "Remember Hymn" and "Night".
Again - this album will not shake the foundations of music but it has such a beautiful atmosphere and is so well executed, you have to give it a try.