Classic 107's Jazz Recording of the Month for March, with McNally Robinson Booksellers is "Break Stuff" by the Vijay Iyer Trio. It is the Grammy nominated pianist, composer and educator's second recording for ECM and his 19th overall.

This latest recording sees Iyer reconvening with his long time trio of bassist Stephan Crump and drummer Marcus Gilmore. All three musicians are equally accomplished, although it should be noted that Gilmore is the grandson of iconic drummer Roy Haynes who continues to be a powerful figure in jazz recordings and performances. Most of the works are composed by Iyer, but he does include three interpretations, including "Work" by his idol Thelonious Monk, "Countdown" by John Coltrane and a very subdued, gentle take on Billy Strayhorn's "Blood Count".

The trio's music benefits from the very clean and spacious recording provided by ECM label head and producer Manfred Eicher. In his brief liner notes, Iyer explains the album's title, saying how "a break in music is still music: a span of time in which to act." He goes on to elaborate on this theme in the ECM supplied video that promotes the album.

 

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