Pram Trio: Saga Thirteen

To the casual observer, a perambulator—pram, for short—is simply what it appears to be: a baby carriage. But to the pram's inhabitant(s), it's something else entirely. To those wee babies, the carriage is, in fact, a world in motion and a home away from home that serves as a vehicle for travel to new realms. They see prams through a different set of eyes, and that's how the three gentleman in this band must also see them. This music bears that out.

Saga Thirteen—the sophomore release from this Toronto-based outfit—is both a continuation of what was started with Visitor Parking (Self Produced, 2013) and the next step in the evolution of a notable band. Since the release of its debut, Pram Trio has undergone some changes, both large and small, that have ultimately taken the music in a more nuanced direction. The addition of drummer Eric West, replacing Richard Piasetski, is one change that strongly factors into the current sound of the group. Piasetski, while stylish, smart, and wholly capable of working in subtle fashion, would bring more of an attitude or edge to the table at times. West, on the other hand, is more of a lover of soft conversation and light grooves. His flame continually burns on low and he always operates on the same plane as pianist Jack Bodkin and bassist Mark Godfrey. Whether due to this personnel change or not, Pram Trio now demonstrates a greater appreciation for space. A willingness and eagerness to add more breathing room to the music is evident here.

This album is short on material—there are only six songs, adding up to about thirty minutes in total—but it's deep in content. Interplay and exploration strongly inform this work ("April"), soulfully mellow and simply tuneful seeds yield wondrous results ("Bucket List"), clarity reigns supreme as balladic ideals are boiled down to their essence ("Control"), and thrusters are engaged to add a bit more drive in the appropriate places ("Mrs. Kim Visits The Living Room Alone"). In simplifying a bit, Pram Trio has managed to actually create something infinitely more complex and intriguing. It's quite easy to see why this band took home the Grand Prix de Jazz at the 2014 edition of the Montreal Jazz Festival. Pram Trio has found its own sound, and its a sound worth hearing.

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