WRONG KATA TRIO - DARK EARTH
Anthony Case - Bass
Brandon Graves - Drums
UJ Pesonen - Guitar
All compositions by Wrong Kata Trio
Saxophone on Aura - Matt Baldwin
Artwork - Andrew Stephens
Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Kenny Carter at The Culture House and Gruntwork Studio
Wrong Kata Trio's Dark Earth, is an absolute smash-and-grab groove factory that's bound to get anyone moving some part of their body. I listened to the first track, "Aura." With its rhythmic twists and turns, varying instrumentation and graceful lead lines, the composition ebbs and flows as most good jazz should. It begins with the organ leading the way melodically, into a bonafide sax groove. It was a fun ride. Next I listened to "A Good Day to Be Alive," which honestly brought immediate thoughts of Prince. Brandon Graves' musicianship shines here. He takes advantage of his time, striking strong and leading with his playing. Anthony Case rounds out the rhythm section with licks dipped in butter. UJ Pesonen has great touch with when, where and how he expands his riffage. I must say, "A Good Day to Be Alive" by Wrong Kata Trio is the type of song that gets you in trouble. I'm talking about the best kind of trouble. Also, Lawrence Kansas? Really? This has got to be the grooviest outfit to ever come out of Kansas. Seriously, I didn't expect to hear this type of music at all.
"Scotch AM" picks up right where "A Good Day to Be Alive" leaves off, and actually ups the ante with a ridiculously "rocky" groove that is text book "escalation." I love that these guys took this step and placed these songs one after another. I'm sold now. Ya got me. I hadn't planned to listen beyond a couple of tracks. But as I hoped, "Here's the Circumstance" kept me engaged. A few gears down in tempo, it was just what I needed at this point in my experience, and I think for any listener of the record at this point. We've already churned a load of jam in just a few moments. I swear, everyone should listen to a little more jazz. Wrong Kata Trio's has been a breath of fresh air. Things stay beautifully low key with "Christena's Dream," with absolutely lush guitar work. I really like the bands phrasing as well, in general. Not too much, not too long, or too loud; they have done a great job of placing the right parts in the right places. That's high-level musicianship.
