Michael Garrick Trio - Cold Mountain (1972)

This beautiful album – recorded in 1972 and only Garrick’s second Trio outing on LP since 'Moonscape' (Airborne, 1964) – often finds him in a reflective, pensive mood. The Trio setting conveys perfectly the sense of intimacy and introspection that pervades much of the seven Garrick originals constituting the album. Nowhere are these qualities better displayed than in the thirteen-minute opus that is 'Cold Mountain', the controlled joy of 'First Born' and the haunting strains of 'Miranda Sleeping'. 'Cold Mountain' is a fine example of Garrick’s ability to sustain interest throughout a long, modal piece. The music evolves organically from ideas that are initially stated in ¾ at an almost funereal tempo, and then inexorably develop to a frantic climax.

In contrast is the eloquent, up-tempo swing of 'Proclamation', where Garrick works in an ingenious and fleeting reference to Cole Porter’s 'Love for Sale' during the first minute. Annunciation sees Garrick tentatively flirt with the rhythms of rock, and in the process produces his own typically thoughtful, personal take on the jazz-rock synthesis.

On Cold Mountain Garrick receives superb support from bassist Dave Green and drummer Trevor Tomkins. Their consummate musicianship and sensitivity to Garrick’s jazz concept help to make the album what it is.

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Michael GARRICK piano
Dave GREEN bass
Trevor TOMKINS drums