Bangkok New Trio – Bangkok New Trio (2016/2020)
FLAC (tracks) 24-bit/48 kHz | Time – 34:56 minutes | 412 MB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Digital Booklet, Front Cover | © Coolstuffmusic
Bruno Brugnano’s Bangkok New Trio have released a rich tapestry of sounds and influences on their self-titled debut. The group has been playing around Bangkok for the last 10 years – finally they have committed some of their sound to the digital realm. Bruno Brugnano is a highly regarded composer having worked on many movie soundtracks, TV, commercials and hit records. In fact, the tune “Pleasure Factory” is a reworking of the theme tune for the movie of the same name.
This incarnation of the trio consists of Bruno Brugnano (electric guitar, guitar synth), Didier Mpondo (drums, percussion and vocals), and Craig Kickbush (6 string bass and effects, piano). While rooted in jazz, the album ventures into African music, progressive rock and soundscapes. Between the main tunes are vignettes titled “Newsflash” – opportunities for each member to produce their own interlude and as a way to suggest at other directions for the group.
The album came about from the group playing at a well known Okinawa restaurant “Kinjo”. Mr. Otaka loved the group so much he offered to executive produce an album. It was recorded at the massive Studio 28 in Bangkok, helmed by Gabriele Guidi. The Bangkok New Trio have since performed at Kinjo’s performance space “Live Cube” several times since then.
Overall the album has a dark beauty to it, but starts with a swinging head in “Safe Haven”. Craig Kickbush’s “Newsflash #1” is a mixture of warped slowed down loops, synth bass and kalimba.
Pleasure Factory is a melancholic sparse affair, Bruno’s melody simply stated and carries the whole piece. “Newsflash #2” conjures some lush guitar with Didier reciting poetry written by Liberte Missipo. It’s a great segue into “Later”, a brooding instrumental version of the tune written by Craig Kickbush and Gabriel Lynch. It’s final act descends into hell with Didier’s ferocious drumming and Craig’s distorted bass synth and loops building to a climax.
Marvista is a breezy tune by Bruno, understating it’s complex chord structure. It highlights the groups interplay. “Newsflash #3” is Bruno’s dramatic soundbyte – also featuring Craig Kickbush on piano.
Wassame is the album’s triumphant closer, with an infectious melody and African inspired groove. Bruno shines on guitar synth and Didier’s layers of percussion propel it along. The song’s anthemic outro leaves you feeling that while the world has it’s problems, sometimes there’s still joy to be found.
Tracklist
1. Bangkok New Trio – Safe Haven
2. Bangkok New Trio – Newsflash pt.1
3. Bangkok New Trio – Pleasure Factory
4. Bangkok New Trio – Newsflash pt.2
5. Bangkok New Trio – Later
6. Bangkok New Trio – Marvista
7. Bangkok New Trio – Newsflash pt.3
8. Bangkok New Trio – Wassame
Download: