Greg Clayton - Live at Boomers
(Ostinato)

Reviewed by Dean Cottrill

Prerequisite to enjoying a jazz guitar trio, you must be involved in some listening-friendly activity- reading, writing a letter, or as the patrons of a club such as Boomers will attest- socializing. Otherwise, the sonorities become tedious within half a set and your attention strays. For performers to hold an audience takes considerable skill and style. Let’s face it, we’ve all heard the tunes, but the fascination is in watching an artist out-manoeuvre our anticipation, take a song into his soul and gift us with a spontaneous reinvention.

Is this debut recording by Montreal guitarist Greg Clayton replayable? Depending on your familiarity with ‘real book’ formats, you may or may not be hooked. While the musicianship of the trio (filled out by Dave Young, bass and Jerry Fuller, drums) is formidable, there is little evidence of a creative strategy other than to let the songs speak for themselves. Mind you, Boomers patrons may think themselves lucky to cozy up to some toasty grooves on a January night, and the band should be lauded for good service.

But surely there are options available to displace the predictable ‘intro/2 chori guitar solo/bass solo/trade fours with the drums/closing’ treatment. I’m a big fan of simplicity, but does jazz mean you can’t affect a modulation, change in and out of another time signature, step out for air and come back inside and have some fun? Any textural variation, the inclusion of a solo piece or a duo-within-the-trio approach would have showcased the individual strengths of what is more than evident collectively. In the hands of these very capable artists, a little rebellion wouldn’t trivialize the end product.

That being said, pack this CD along for a walk in the park or a Sunday drive or even when doing your tax return. Any season is jazz season, and these guys will buoy you through the darkest moments.

Dean Cottrill is a Montreal-based guitarist, songwriter and singer.

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