San Sebastian

Personnel: Russell Malone (guitar); Mulgrew Miller (piano).
Liner Note Author: Mike Hennessey.
Recording information: Jazzaldia Festival, Plaza De La Trinidad, San Sebastian (07/22/2012).
The German In and Out label captured the sold-out performance of the Golden Striker Trio in San Sebastian on the last evening of their 2012 European tour. Bassist Ron Carter re-assembled with pianist Mulgrew Miller and guitarist Russell Malone, who had initially played together on the 2003 studio album The Golden Striker on Blue Note. The trio's moniker is borrowed from the John Lewis composition from 1960, a fitting name as the slightly introspective brand of chamber jazz is similar to the Modern Jazz Quartet but not quite as restrained. Alongside the John Lewis tune, the five tracks feature two Ron Carter compositions, "Candle Light" and "Saudade," the standard "My Funny Valentine," and Luiz Bonfá's "Samba de Orpheus." The limited-edition version of the CD also includes a bonus DVD of the concert with a rendition of Oscar Pettiford's "Laverne Walk," not available on the CD. ~ Al Campbell