Review from L.A. Jazz Scene by Scott Yanow
Three excellent musicians have teamed together as “Joe-Less Shoe.” With the instrumentation of Matt Otto on tenor, guitarist Jamie Rosenn, and drummer Jason Harnell, the music is sparse yet flexible. Performing ten originals, the cool-toned Joe-Less Shoe often recalls 1950s West Coast jazz (such as the Gerry Mulligan Quartet), early Ornette Coleman, 1970’s ECM music, and the Paul Motian Trio. The interplay between Otto and Rosenn as equal melodic voices is consistently impressive while Harnell offers subtle support and worthy commentary. The musicians can play as free as they want in this setting but they do not neglect melodic development, keeping a steady rhythm (even if it is not always stated), and reacting to each other’s ideas. The result are fascinating and well worth several listens. Maybe more groups should forego relying so heavily on a bass to keep time. This fine and colorful disc is available from www. myspace. com/joelessshoe. -Scott Yanow
