Geoff Simkins Trio: In a Quiet Way review – joyous interplay

There’s something especially intimate about a small jazz combo without drums, like eavesdropping on a conversation among friends. These three – saxophonist Geoff Simkins, pianist Nikki Iles and bassist Dave Green – are old friends anyway, so in this case it’s more than just an impression. Simkins is often described as a “cool” player, meaning measured, subtle, but by no means placid. There are plenty of surprises in these nine tracks to keep attentive ears busy. The same goes for Iles and Green, and the interplay among all three is joy. The material includes a couple of rare standards and compositions by, among others, Kenny Wheeler and Lee Konitz.