For those unaware, Le Coq Records continues it’s exploration of the boundless piano trio setting with The Jon Cowherd Trio’s Pride and Joy, an exemplary session featuring three of the most imaginative, sensitive and wide-ranging artists in modern jazz: pianist Cowherd, bassist John Patitucci and drummer Brian Blade.

They’re joined on three tracks by saxophonist Chris Potter and percussionist Alex Acuña. Pride and Joy follows in the spirit of it’s critically acclaimed 2021 predecessor, which teamed Patitucci with drummer Vinnie Colaiuta and pianist Bill Cunliffe.

In it’s laudatory review, JazzTimes exclaimed that Vol. 1 showcases the kind of magic that erupts when the right high-level players come together at the right time for an impromptu romp on the right material.

Much the same can be said for this vibrant sequel, though where Cunliffe, Patitucci and Colaiuta were convening as a trio for the first time on that date (despite a long-shared history in various settings and combinations), Pride and Joy reunites a trio with deep roots together.

1. Grand Mesa (Jon Cowherd, John Patitucci, Brian Blade, Chris Potter, Alex Acuna)
2. Little Scorpio (Jon Cowherd, John Patitucci, Brian Blade, Chris Potter, Alex Acuna)
3. The Colorado Experiment (Jon Cowherd, John Patitucci, Brian Blade)
4. Honest Man (For Ellis Marsalis) (Jon Cowherd, John Patitucci, Brian Blade)
5. Pride & Joy (Jon Cowherd, John Patitucci, Brian Blade, Chris Potter, Alex Acuna)
6. Plainfield (Jon Cowherd, John Patitucci, Brian Blade)
7. Chickmonk (Jon Cowherd, John Patitucci, Brian Blade)
8. Quilt City Blues (Jon Cowherd)

This stunningly opulent new album opens on the beautifully crafted, sweepingly elegant Grand Mesa and the more sculptured, pensively articulate Little Scorpio, and then follows those up with the ivory tickling perfection of The Colorado Experiment and the softly languishing Honest Man (For Ellis Marsalis).

Up next are the infectious melodies and grooves found within the titular Pride & Joy and that is itself backed seamlessly by the softly embroidered Plainfield, the album rounding out on the upbeat and delightfully perky (and artfully-named) Chickmonk, coming to a close on the balladry gossamer of Quilt City Blues.

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