MP3 Opus 3 Jazz Trio - This Time Around

âThis Time Aroundâ is a well-conceived, produced and performed compilation which clearly demonstrates jazz, funk, beautiful piano work and a great rhythm section.

14 MP3 Songs in this album (78:03) !
Related styles: JAZZ: Contemporary Jazz, JAZZ: Hammond Organ

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Album Review

âThis Time Aroundâ

Opus 3 Jazz Trio

Following on from their successful debut album âJourneysâ The Opus 3 Jazz Trio have returned with a stunning second CD.

A change to the line-up has introduced Nelson Cruz on bass and he has fitted seamlessly into the band to combine well with Jane and Seth Burkhart to present a well-balanced, innovative and polished sound that is sure to delight any new listeners as much as those who have been awaiting the release of this album.

On âThis Time Aroundâ the bandâs growing confidence is reflected in their inclusion of a healthy proportion of original compositions, which span several styles, from classic slow ballads to driving Jazz/Funk, with some slow Swing and smooth Jazz in between.

Jane Burkhartâs outstanding piano and organ skills are perfectly framed by the âtightâ pairing of Seth and Nelson on drums and bass. The pleasure these three musicians derive from playing together is obvious, with each member happy to add those little touches that enhance each other memberâs contribution.

Highlights among the original compositions include âMiekaâ - This slow Swing waltz, built round a repeating bass part, builds very nicely with some creative solo work on piano.

âHubble Bubbleâ is a real showpiece, switching effortlessly back and forth from Funk to Swing. This track is sure to be a âLiveâ show favorite.

On âOne for Rickâ the retro sound of a classic Hammond organ gives an overall âpowerfulâ feel to a great performance.


The CD also contains a few cover versions of Jazz and Swing classics, two of which deserve a special mention.

âBut not for meâ gives Nelson the lead and he seizes the opportunity to show how melodic a bass guitar can be. The interplay between bass and drums at the start of this track is a joy to listen to and the later introduction of piano produces such a full, rounded feel to this one, it give a fresh new slant to an old standard.

There are few three-piece outfits who would dare to take on the Duke Ellington classic âCaravanâ.
From the first strike of the complex drum pattern, the band provide a BIG version of a true Big Band number. All three members are obviously enjoying what they do on this track. Who can blame them? This is outstanding work!

There is a âBonusâ track at the end of the CD (it appears after a minute of silence)
âFigs and Honeyâ introduces Janeâs singing talents, with her melody complimenting some very haunting chord work on piano. Also on electric guitar is Alan Evan's from Soulive, he also engineered the album. A real âBonusâ

Overall, âThis Time Aroundâ is a well conceived, produced and performed compilation, which clearly demonstrates the abilities of these three accomplished musicians.

If this is what they produce after such a short time together with this line-up, I await with anticipation to see what the future may bring.


Highly recommended.


Brian Strahan
Jazz Critic
Belfast Ireland