Trent Austin TWO-Toned
I'm extremely excited to offer anyone who'd like a special offer to purchase my CD, entitled Two-Toned. This CD is comprised of entirely duo settings and features quite possibly the world's greatest jazz pianist Benny Green on piano! Other performers include Paul Odeh, Ryan Parker, Thomas Snow and Jon Wheatley.
Some thoughts on Trent's new CD, "Two-Toned":
The trumpet/piano duo has a distinguished history in recorded jazz starting
with Louis Armstrong and Earl Hines in 1928. The remarkable series of
recordings made by Oscar Peterson with trumpeters (Roy, Diz, Clark, Sweets,
Faddis, Freddie) continued in that tradition of give-and-take, jousts that
walk a tightrope that depends for success on both perfect time and the
empathy among performers that is the hallmark of great improvised
music. Trent Austin's new disc gathers four pianists and one guitarist for
two duets each with the trumpeter, and the partners include a New England
favorite, the veteran guitarist Jon Wheately, and a world-class proteg� of
Oscar Peterson, Benny Green.
Trent has married a simple conceit -- a project of duos -- with an ambitious
program that deftly elevates a congenial gathering of stylists to a coherent
gathering of styles. From the the world of Armstrong ("I'm Confessin'") to
the world of Kenny Wheeler and Woody Shaw and beyond, passing
through red-blooded renderings of swing-era standards, bebop (Charlie
Parker's workout on "S'Wonderful," "Stupendous"), and a special tribute to
the timeless art of Clark Terry.
Whether playing a simple, singing melody or the complex rhumba of a Chick
Corea line, Trent shows on this disc much more than dexterity. He is
a contemporary jazz musician with an old soul. He looks both ways and
honors the legacy of the trumpet in jazz and an awareness of the avant-garde
with equal respect. There is passion instead of pastiche and uncommon
clarity of harmonies and phrasing.
Special warmth comes through in the encounters with Benny Green, whose
relationship with Oscar Peterson is paralleled by Trent's long association
with Clark Terry. Peterson and Terry recorded together on many occasions,
and this session presents an opportunity to hear the keepers of the flame.
Pianist Ryan Parker swings mightily and pianist Thomas Snow is an adept
modernist, updating the language of Cole Porter's "What Is This Thing Called
Love" and matching Trent's pyrotechnics on Corea's "Armando's Rhumba."
Pianist Paul Odeh provides solid and sensitive foundations on two
outstanding original tunes by the trumpeter. Guitarist Wheatley brings
mature and elegant artistry to the date.
With no rhythm section and nowhere to hide, Trent Austin makes it clear that
he has nothing to hide from.
--Peter Sokolowski
2. Do yourself a favor…get Trent Austin’s new CD “Two-Toned.” If you heard Trent’s first CD, “Trumpet 101” you already know what a killer player he is. On “Two-Toned” Trent takes it to a whole new level. Trent’s playing is technically superb, but even more impressive is his incredible musicality and imagination. “Two-Toned” really shows off Trent’s apprenticeship with the master, Clark Terry.
The sidemen Trent brought in are fantastic. All these guys are outstanding on their own, and when teamed up with Trent, it’s smokin’! Benny Green’s piano alone is worth the price of the CD!
The quality of the recording is excellent, not overly processed, nice and clean.
You won’t be disappointed. (review taken from www.trumpetherald.com)
