Adam Rafferty Trio: Three Souls (2004)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: October 10, 2004

The straight-ahead guitar trio led by Adam Rafferty preserves tradition while injecting new energy into today's jazz scene. Their desire stems from an appreciation of what the music can do for your heart. While this trio's music is contemporary, it's out of a love for the process that they perform. Thus, Three Souls appeals to both contemporary and smooth jazz audiences as well as to mainstream collectors.

Rafferty's guitar flows seamlessly along melodic paths with a velvet technique. It's no wonder that he decided to dedicate one each of his eleven compositions to Wes Montgomery and George Benson.

Danton Boller continues to impress, as he emerges on the worldwide jazz scene with a voice of his own. A lyrical bassist with veteran chops, he works cohesively with guitar and drums and stretches out casually on his own.

Drummer Tomas Fujiwara swings with a quiet energy that propels the trio along shaded paths and sheltered gathering places. Three Souls comes out of New York; but its emphasis lies in the beauty of Central Park, the Atlantic's wide open coastline, and the city's valuable art centers.

Even their faster numbers carry with them a gentle spirit that rings true. Forget about crowded subways, traffic jams and congested sidewalks. The Adam Rafferty Trio rides the jazz tradition to express their love for what good music can do for you.

Audio samples may be found at the artist's web site .

Track Listing: America; Crimson; Object of Desire; Blues for Wes and George; Tempest; Different Bread; Two Souls; Blues for My Shoes; Bootieology; Hurricane Bertha; Like No Place On Earth.

Personnel: Adam Rafferty- guitar; Danton Boller- bass; Tomas Fujiwara- drums.

Record Label: CAP
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream