Marco Paul & The Soul Train Trio – Soul Train Trio [LP]

Marco Paul & The Soul Train Trio‘s debut album, Soul Train Trio, is a prime example of why I love jazz so much. This album explores a world of deep grooves and eclectic arrangements while also spotlighting the trio’s talents for creating unique narrative. Opening track, “Dumbo,” sets the mood with its laid-back, head-nod rhythm. Marco Paul‘s bassline loop on the Fender Rhodes, Nicolas Silveira‘s sly drumming, and Jaime Aldaraca Ferrao‘s rich baritone saxophone create an atmosphere that pulls the listener into the trio’s world. It’s an invitation to lose yourself in the album’s mystic soundscape, and it’s a difficult one to decline.

Moving through the album, listeners find themselves on an earnest exploration of love and self-discovery with a slinky number called “Ginekara Mou.” Marco‘s vibrant tenor voice (which had me almost immediately thinking about the late, great George Duke) and the band’s fusion of jazz and funk blend seamlessly with a combination of vocals, flute solos, spoken-word poetry, and a saxophone solo, conjuring an emotionally charged environment that’s at once chill-inducing and energizing. “Bugambilia” ventures further into the intricacies of identity and self-acceptance, as Marco‘s remarkable falsetto and tenor vocals craft a narrative that is both inward-looking and universal. The song’s lyrics and the band’s eagerness to experiment with a big brassy sound and left-of-center vocals make it one of the most memorable cuts on the album.

In the whimsical, quirky track “Enter The Kitten,” the trio extols the charm of our feline companions. The tongue-in-cheek lyrics and psychedelic imagery meld with the creative and lighthearted mood of the song, infusing the album with a touch of self-aware playfulness. Following that adventurous cat-inspired tribute, “The Art of Hunter” reveals what an outstanding collaboration between jazz and poetry can sound like while discussing the delicate balance between needing to be with other people but also wanting personal space. The singing and poetry dig into the importance of personal boundaries and individuality within relationships. It’s a heady musical brew that echoes The Beat Generation of the 50’s but also feels fresh and new.

“Ain’t No Jazz,” a traditional jazz piece, playfully acknowledges the trio’s admiration for the timeless sound of classic jazz. The song begins with a somber piano solo, then transforms into a spirited and swingy jazz tune with a jaunty feel. The shift in atmosphere harkens back to how musicians such as Herbie Hancock and Ramsey Lewis would infuse a lively traditional jazz tune into their jazz-funk and fusion records back in the day.

Concluding the album with a suitably contemplative tone, “Tierra del Sol” is an exquisite piano jazz piece. The transversal flute and drums contribute delicate nuances throughout the 7+ minute duration, enveloping the listener in a sense of comfort and tranquility. Ultimately, Soul Train Trio calls attention to the boundless creativity and depth that jazz still has to offer well over a century after its inception. The album is a must-hear for fans of classic jazz, modern fusion and soul-jazz alike. It’s clear that Marco, Jaime, and Nicolas are continuing the tradition of innovation and creativity and had a blast doing it. Jazz enthusiasts and avant-garde music lovers alike should not miss the opportunity to dive into this album.

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https://open.spotify.com/album/5jquoz1eOC4RMw9nDQuOC1?si=qRhkJBdzSeqNibdWQsumfg

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