Jamie Saft, Steve Swallow, Bobby Previte - The New Standard (2014)

While Jamie Saft has been a significant presence on previous RareNoise recordings by Slobber Pup, Plymouth and Metallic Taste of Blood, the renegade keyboardist and essential Downtown improviser steps into a dramatically different role on The New Standard. A collaborative trio outing featuring the dream rhythm tandem of drummer Bobby Previte and bassist Steve Swallow, both prolific composers and venerable bandleaders in their own right, it showcases Saft alternating between piano and organ and making thoughtful, melodic contributions throughout. On ten original tracks, seven of which the keyboardist composed, Saft blends brilliantly with his esteemed elders on this remarkable RareNoise release which is released on CD and Double Vinyl. The album is the result of a magical recording and direct mixing session in Saft's own Pottervilles Studios, masterfully setup and captured by 5 - Time Grammy winning engineer Joe Ferla, who is regarded as the fourth member of the band for this remarkably empathetic endeavour. Ferla recorded everything analog direct to two-track 1/2" tape through a Neve console. The sonic integrity of the session was then realized with a fully analog vinyl master - the 180-gram dual gatefold vinyl pressing of the album will never have seen ANY computer interference.

Tracklist:

01. Clarissa (4:06)
02. Minor Soul (6:18)
03. Step Lively (6:45)
04. Clearing (4:50)
05. Trek (4:09)
06. The New Standard (6:34)
07. I See No Leader (5:38)
08. Blue Shuffle (6:40)
09. All Things To All People (6:08)
10. Surrender The Chaise (6:26)

Personnel:

Jamie Saft - Piano, Organ
Steve Swallow - Electric Bass
Bobby Previte - Drums