ARC Trio Is An ARC De Triomphe

Low-end powerhouse and former Yellowjacket backbone, Jimmy Haslip collaborates with Scott Kinsey (Tribal Tech) and Hungarian superstar and session guru Gergö Borlai to create the best jazz release of this decade. ARC Trio features guest appearances by Vinnie Colaiuta, Gary Novak, Steve Tavaglione and Judd Miller and delivers unbelievably listenable virtuosity.

Jimmy Haslip was a founding member and 32-year bandmate of The Yellowjackets. Mr. Haslip has been nominated for 22 Grammy awards and has won 3. O

ver his 50+ years of playing, he has contributed to the biggest names in music over a plethora of genres. To list a few:

• Jazz: Al Jarreau, John Scofield, Pat Metheny, Bill Evans, Randy Brecker, Toots Thielemans

• Smooth Jazz: David Sanborn, Kenny G, Michael Bolton, The Rippingtons

• Fusion: The Yellowjackets, Peter Erskine, Bela Fleck, Jeff Lorber, Allan Holdsworth and Alan Pasqua

• Rock: Joe Cocker, Rod Stewart, George Harrison, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jerry Garcia, Joe Walsh, Tommy Bolin and Gary Wright

• Pop: Randy Newman, Bruce Hornsby, Kenny Loggins, Dusty Springfield, Gino Vannelli and Herb Alpert

• Soul: Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, Anita Baker and Roy Ayers Ubiquity

• Blues: Robben Ford, Oz Noy, Robert Cray and Harvey Mandel

Scott Kinsey has also played with the biggest names in jazz music. Mr. Kinsey is, in fact, the musical director of the Zawinul Legacy Band founded by Joe’s eldest son, Tony Zawinul. Over the years, Scott has worked with Matthew Garrison, Alphonso Johnson, John Scofield, Dennis Chambers, Joe Zawinul, John McLaughlin, Peter Erskine, Mike Stern Dave Weckl, Bill Evans, Jimmy Herring, Victor Wooten, John Patitucci among others.

Hungarian drummer Gergö Borlai began playing at age 3 and has appeared on more than 300 albums. Since 2012, Mr. Borlai is a professor at the Liceu Academy/Jazz Departement in Barcelona and has received two lifetime achievement awards, the Golden Drumstick Prize and the Artisjus Lifetime Achievement Award in Hungary. He has played with greats such as Al DiMeola and Hiram Bullock.

ARC Trio opens with “Owosso” as Mr. Borlai places the listener under his spell with a rhythmic trance-like groove. Slowly, Mr. Haslip enters with his hypnotic response in lock-step with Scott Kinsey’s subtle assurance on keys. When asked about Arc Trio, Mr. Haslip says, “I wrote music that deals with deeper emotional experiences…searching for knowledge and opening my awareness of a world in need”. Certainly, a song like “Owosso” fits this bill and is timely in these contentious times.

The dynamic flow of ARC Trio leads followers skillfully to track four, “Viera”, a song about Mr. Haslip’s mother. At this point, the core trio makes an introduction to guests that need no introduction. The soulful strength of Vinnie Colaiuta (Frank Zappa, Sting, Herbie Hancock, Jeff Beck, many others) on drums and Latin fusion hero Steve Tavaglione (Jorge Strunz, Eduardo Del Barrio, Dave Weckl, Sly & The Family Stone, Steve Winwood) on flute. This powerful tribute starts with distinct Latin rhythm and brings in Mr. Tavaglione’ soaring injections. It is chaotic at first before locking in tightly and fusing genres and styles. The interplay of flute and keyboard melody is masterful on the palette of constantly evolving drum and bass improvisation.

Gratifying sounds feels and styles leaves one satisfied yet craving more. When asked about live performances relating to this masterpiece, Jimmy Haslip exclaimed without hesitation, “ROCK THE HOUSE”. Hold on…it’s going to be a wild ride!

More info at: BlueCanoeRecords.com