JAZZ STANDARD Cyrus Chestnut Trio "For Your Ears Only"

The Cyrus Chestnut Trio treated the crowd at JAZZ STANDARD to an evening of head swaying, body relaxing cool jazz.  Chestnut balks at being boxed into any constrictive label for his musical style.  However, I will describe last night's set as a vigorous evening of avant-garde & chamber jazz.  Cyrus said after a thrilling piano performance, "This piece was for your ears only.  No one's ever going to hear it this way again because it will never be played this way again."  John Hendricks on double bass, a.k.a. acoustic bass, combined his improvisational tempo & alto tones and Lenny White's  drumming completed the instrumental interplay between the 3 acclaimed artists.  One could claim the accoustic based ensemble as chamber jazz.  Hendricks' bass was notably wider, neck shorter & strings extended  futher out than most bass instruments seen in jazz bands & symphony orchestras.  The double bass tonality resonated with lush vibrations.  JAZZ STANDARD OFFERS an intimate setting allowing the audience to pick out individual qualities each musician contributes to the jazz composition.  Josh Tyrangiel of Time Mag said "What makes Chestnut the best jazz pianist of his generation is a willingness to abandone notes and play space."