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Alex Hutton Trio

Cross That Bridge

33 Jazz133

For his debut recording as a leader, pianist Alex Hutton (who is singer Tessa Souter's pianist/arranger as well as part of the bands of Ian Ritchie, Brandon Allen and Kelvin Christiane) has called on the services of New York bassist Mike Janisch and drummer Simon Lea (the latter a Vortex regular, driving the bands of singers Gwyneth Herbert and Christine Tobin).

Seven of the album's eight tracks are originals (the one standard is Jules Styne's 'Just in Time'), and they demonstrate Hutton's ability to write everything from deceptively simple-sounding, airy themes giving rise to jaunty trio workouts ('Robin Hood's Cave'), through tender, slow-building ballads ('Karina's Song'), to driving, hard-swinging pieces ornamented by sparkling piano and propelled by a vigorously responsive rhythm section (the album's closer, 'Professor Purcell', presumably dedicated to Simon rather than Henry).

Hutton has a precisely articulated, authoritative style, an ability to build patiently on solid foundations in his intensely melodic solos, and his brisk, unfussy approach suits his bright, accessible themes perfectly. Although eschewing the more showily dramatic piano-trio mannerisms (startling dynamic contrasts, dazzling runs, thundering climaxes), this is quietly powerful music that marks Hutton out as a talent well worth investigating.