New Outlook

In 2022, the Affinity Trio (which is comprised of trumpeter Eric Jacobson, pianist Pamela York, and bassist Clay Schaub), recorded their debut recording as a group: Hindsight. New Outlook has the same Chicago-based musicians (who contributed one original apiece) returning to the studio to perform their new material, four standards, and two lesser-known but worthy numbers.

Their music is a lively brand of straight-ahead jazz played with joy and excellent musicianship. Jacobson's "Onward" leads off the set with a minor-toned and boppish swinger. While "On The Sunny Side Of The Street" is modernized slightly, it retains its roots in swing during a medium-slow performance. York's "New Outlook" is a modern jazz waltz which generates some heat while Sam Jones' blues-with-a-bridge "Bittersweet" receives a welcome revival.

A chorus of Oscar Peterson's "Hymn To Freedom" leads into "A Child Is Born" which has some beautiful ballad playing by Jacobson. The other selections are Larry Willis' modern hard bop tune "To Wisdom: The Prize," a rapid rendition of "Lover," Schaub's thoughtful ballad "Shadow Cather," and Kenny Dorham's "Una Mas."

The lack of drums gives the trio the feel of chamber jazz while the results are as soulful and swinging as the music deserves.