Silent Photographer

Portland guitarist Stowell has been performing and recording with Seattlites Jeff Johnson and John Bishop for some ten years now. Like any recipe worth waiting for, the time has been worth it, as this threesome communicate and anticipate one another with ease and symmetry. Cadence magazine calls this trait "an enviable tightness," and it's easy to sense in this talented threesome. Of the 10 selections here, most are the original compositions of either Stowell or Johnson. Three other entries come from jazz giants Wayne Shorter ("Black Eyes"), Herbie Hancock ("Chan's Song") and John Coltrane ("Resolution"). Among the original material, I liked the funky playfulness of "Sepia"; the slightly dissonant melody line of the title tune; and the movement of"Three French Nuns." Stowell is a creator of sound unlike most any other guitarist. And in this trio, he has found compatriots who share his lofty musical ideas.