Review of Street Scene

Paul Donnelly
ejazznews.com
February 2004

Isn’t it gratifying to come across a cd that surprises you? You look at the line-up and have certain expectations and then you find them, partially at least, up-ended. Such was the case with this recording by a trio I haven’t heard of before. The PD is guitarist, Pete Downes and the guys who make up the 3 are bassist, Andy Coe and drummer, Tim Bruce. Together they have put together a set of self-composed tunes that explore notions of what a jazz guitar trio might be about.

From ‘Kind Of Blue’ Miles in the shape of ‘New Bop’ they travel through some rockier territory on ‘9 + 7’ where Downes guitar shifts from clipped mellow chords to a ringing, wailing solo. Preceded by some solid bass he unleashes lines that cut through sharp and clear, raising the energy levels. I was reminded a little of Metheny around the time of ‘American Garage’ but Downes wears his influences lightly and whatever he’s absorbed has been merged into a style that boasts a certain individuality.
His playing isn’t confined to the electric guitar either. On ‘Gabrielle’ he picks the acoustic in restrained, semi-classical mode, once again with clarity and poise. But the most memorable contribution here is from the acoustic bass as Coe brings the bow to bear on the closing section. He holds a dark note against Downes’ filigree picking then takes a solo that combines a lightness of touch with resonant melancholy. Quite breath-taking and a model of succinctness.

Coe also offers one of his own compositions, ‘Alison’ which features more acoustic guitar, rippling and crisply chordal, while the bass bends and slides subtly behind it. This isn’t, strictly speaking, jazz guitar territory but it is evident that these three enjoy mixing the genres a little.

There is still plenty of fluent fretwork for anyone wanting to hear some incisive, uncluttered improvisation. Listen to ‘Walking On Air’ for instance which includes some decidedly funky guitar and drum dialogue, though not in a showy way. Just listen and it’s there, happening in the most unassuming way, integrated into the overall sound. You’ll find it too on the title track when Downes’ mellow tone is delicately underscored by Bruce’s cymbal work. This piece is additional evidence of the guitarist’s harsher leanings as he crashes out a few power chords and beefs up the sustain on a truly exciting solo excursion. Then on the final track, the aptly named ‘Joy’, the up-beat tempo further foregrounds the interplay between Downes and Bruce; the bright theme and improvisations are propelled by some superb percussion.
All tracks were recorded live and the sound is never less than excellent. I hope they visit a venue near me soon.

Paul Donnelly