William Parker, Conny Bauer, Hamid Drake - Tender Exploration (2013)

William Parker and Hamid Drake have worked together in myriad set-ups and have large discographies together and separately. The pair have been mainstays of the New York jazz scene for decades and have built an enviable reputation as far-sighted musical explorers. On this trio date recorded live at the Roulette club on February 26, 2010, they are joined by one of Europe's finest free jazz trombonists, Conny Bauer.

A pretty bold little album – even if its title sounds like some after-school special about teenage love! There's definitely a lot of exploration in the music – as each of the key players finds a way to state their presence, while still moving in the company of the others – finding the best space for strong individual moments, but always with an ear towards the overall sound of the group! The drums from Hamid Drake are some of the most complicated we've heard from him in years – and punctuate the trombone lines of Conrad Bauer beautifully, as William Parker brews the whole thing up from the bottom.

Tracklist:

1. Drake
2. Parker
3. Bauer

Personnel:

William Parker - double bass;
Conrad Bauer - trombone;
Hamid Drake - drums, percussion.