The urgency of modern jazz –– Sons of Kemet’s loud-and-proud proclamations, Shabaka Hutchins unleashing squalls of hellfire, the octopus-limbed drumming of Moses Boyd, et al –– is absent. Instead, Tara Clerkin Trio’s eccentric bric-a-brac brings to mind Stereolab, Julia Holter, mid-90s Mo’ Wax compendium "Headz", or the tonally rich collaborations between Beatrice Dillon and Rupert Clervaux (no surprise to find Clervaux on board here for mastering duty). "Tara Clerkin Trio" is a small yet perfectly-composed album that invites you in with a cup of tea and a reassuring hand on the shoulder. What’s not to love?
