Few hit the mark as craftily and irresistibly when reinterpreting jazz classics as Three Small Giants. On their new one, a funkified redo of Horace Silver's "Doodlin'," this trio from Sweden demonstrates once again why the critics say they are "a real happy pill, full of humor and ingenuity."
Three Small Giants makes personal and hook-laden music. With just upright bass, guitar, and vocals, their approach is a master class in musical minimalism. But there is nothing low-energy about what they deliver. Their "velvet funk" variant melds deep, soulful grooves with jazz harmonies that feel warmly familiar and startlingly fresh: "Doodlin'."
The bass locks into a pocket so deep you could get lost in it; the guitar shimmers with rhythmic precision; and the vocals deliver effortless cool that makes the whole thing feel like a late-night jam session at the world's hippest underground club.
They have a knack for combining disparate influences that make their sound compelling. Picture James Brown guesting with a minimalist jazz trio, tight, groovy rhythms running under intricate but welcoming harmonies. It's a sound that appeals to purists and lovers of modern grooves alike.
"Doodlin'" is a textbook example of why Three Small Giants takes ambitious musical ideas and makes them sound second nature, inviting, and downright fun when it's firing on all cylinders. DIG Jazz and others have complimented the trio's ability to make jazz swing with a modern bounce, including DIG Jazz.
If you're a jazz fan with a contemporary vibe, then Three Small Giants' rendition of "Doodlin'" is an absolute must-hear. And it's sure to put a smile on your face, whether you know Horace Silver from way back or are just someone looking to catch a groove. So press play, and let that velvet funk wash over you.
0 Comments