We Are Here

Bob Nell draws deep inspiration from his roots in Montana, a vast landscape that mirrors the wide, open spaces and unhurried pacing found inside his compositions. This geographic isolation allowed him to develop an intensely individual piano voice, blending rural folk elements and traditional country blues directly into a sophisticated modern jazz framework. Conversely, Michael Bisio's sound is forged in the high-energy crucible of the New York avant-garde scene, a fast-paced environment that demands sharp improvisational reflexes and intense structural experimentation.

When these two worlds collide, the contrast creates a beautiful sonic tension that defines their collaborative identity. Bisio brings an aggressive, street-smart energy from the East Coast that pushes Nell's rural, spacious compositions right to the creative edge. This synthesis allows their trios to float effortlessly between rustic American folklore and gritty urban abstraction, proving that their distinct environments enrich their shared musical language.

The Deep Dive
The album opens with Injury or Malpractice, with Bob Nell on piano setting a driving melody, featuring drummer Adam Greenberg, and Michael Bisio on bass creating a solid bop Bisio lays down an aggressive solo which really cements this track as a strong opener. This foundational chemistry forms a tight bond and on Blues for KB, has just a bit more swing. I'm really digging this track with a super interweaving between Bisio and Nell. The trio changes direction beautifully on The Aerial Lariat, leaning into a breezy, tom-tom heavy 3/4 groove that opens up the rhythmic canvas and lets the melody breathe in an completely refreshing way. Greenberg gets a few bars to himself and holds it tight. Very nice. Really laying back in the pocket on Interweave, Nell creates an easy waltz like feel on piano and Bisio supports the melodic piano melody with an active bass counter. Bisio gets the lead, further elaborating on the melody adding not only texture but meaningful, warm richness. Austin Belluscio on drums keeps the rhythm light and tight for this complex, yet radio friendly track.

Lucy's Waltz has a warm playfulness, led by Nell but closely wed to the counter melody of Bisio. Nell further elaborates the melody with Bisio sticking like glue with intuitive compliment making this one of my favorite tracks on the release. Wrapping the release is Shelter In Place (which sounds like winter to me...I live in the desert) which has a quiet, comforting, melody with a firm bass line by Bisio yet a leaner piano structure. This is a crisp release with a lot to hear. Very nice.

This crisp and rewarding release showcases an incredible musical shorthand as the musicians effortlessly shift between tight, hard-driving bop and spacious rhythmic landscapes. Across two distinct trio lineups, the album balances high-energy grooves and aggressive improvisation with moments of breezy, tom-tom heavy exploration. The music seamlessly transitions into a lighter, radio-friendly warmth where playful piano melodies effortlessly lock step with rich, intuitive bass counters. Ending on a quiet, wintery note of comforting restraint, this dynamic collection provides an immensely layered listening experience packed with structural variety.