STEVE KUHN | ALDO ROMANO | STEVE SWALLOW — Childhood Is Forever (1971-1998) RM | FLAC (tracks), lossless

This date is a fine example of Steve Kuhn's concept of trio jazz. It was recorded in Paris, 1969. The programme is very well put together with exciting and varying interpretations of standards, with a cooking rendition of Steve Swallow's "Eiderdown" as a closing show-stopper. The trio is in exceptional good mood and delivers thoroughly inspired performances on every track. There is a latin tinge to most of the arrangements, but it is only truly explicit in the bossa/latin tunes. It keeps the vibe fresh and bouncy. The album also has a few excentric excurions into free/avantgarde but they act more as beacons of distant shores than points of focus – a sort of spice. Steve Swallow's bass work is nothing short of stellar through the whole album. As is drummer Aldo Romano's. This is arguably one of the better incarnations of the Steve Kuhn Trio and worthy of wider discovery.
It is a pity, though, that both the recording, the vinyl pressings and cd reissue are marred with serious sound quality issues. But, on the other hand, it sort of increases the feeling of having found a hidden, unpoilshed gem - which this album truly is. Tobias Berving
Tracklist :
1    The Night Has A Thousand Eyes 6:01
Written-By – J. Brainin
2    Spring Can Really Hang You The Most 6:48
Written-By – Wolf
3    Baubles, Bangles And Beads 5:03
Written-By – Forest, Wright
4    The Meaning Of The Blues 3:41
Written-By – B. Troup
5    All That's Left 5:48
Written-By – A.C. Jobim
6    I Waited For You 5:07
Written-By – W. Fuller
7    Eiderdown 4:25
Written-By – S. Swallow
Credits :
Bass – Steve Swallow
Drums – Aldo Romano
Piano – Steve Kuhn