Two-Toned by Trent Austin

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)

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