Ches Smith, Mat Maneri, Craig Taborn

New York's jazz scene has been going strong for years now and Ches Smith/Craig Taborn/Mat Maneri is the latest act to emerge. The trio features "three of the most notable musicians in New York’s vibrant creative music scene" in drummer Ches Smith (John Zorn, Tim Berne, Marc Ribot), pianist Craig Taborn (Chris Potter, Dave Douglas, Wadada Leo Smith) and violist Mat Maneri (Marilyn Crispell, Paul Motian). The group released its debut CD, The Bell, earlier this year. Songs such as the title track start slow with gentle strings before picking up steam. (Niesel)