Mike St Shaw Trio - Tobacco Road

Review by Chris Goodrich

The Mike St Shaw Trio's album Tobacco Road is a must-have for any jazz enthusiast. The trio, consisting of Mike St Shaw on piano, bassist Joe Smith, and drummer Bill Jones, have created a cohesive and impressive collection of tracks that showcase their immense talent and skill.

The album opens with the title track "Tobacco Road," a slow-burning bluesy number that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The trio's chemistry is evident from the first notes, and they seamlessly weave in and out of each other's playing.

Tracks like "Blue Monk" and "Take the A Train" showcase the trio's ability to take classic jazz standards and make them their own. The trio's arrangements are fresh and exciting, and they bring a new energy to these well-known tunes.

One of the standout tracks on the album is "Naima," a beautiful and haunting ballad that showcases Mike St Shaw's sensitive and emotive playing. His piano playing is delicate and nuanced, and he creates a beautiful atmosphere that draws the listener in.

Summary by Chris Goodrich

Tobacco Road is a fantastic album that showcases the immense talent of the Mike St Shaw Trio. Their chemistry and skill are evident on every track, and they have created a collection of tunes that is both fresh and timeless. Jazz fans will not want to miss this one.