Carmel The Corey Kendrick Trio combines the infectious swing of yesteryear with the precision of today’s modern jazz harmonic sensibilities. The trio came together while studying under Rodney Whitaker at Michigan State University, it is here the Corey Kendrick Trio developed their unique, straight ahead sound, cultivated by two and a half years of extensive performing.

Their debut recording, Rootless highlights a theme of life and its many emotions, tracks like “The Unknown/The Unexpected” speak to the emotion of starting anew, a sleek and grooved based feel, coupled with the well-chosen colorizations of Kendrick on piano add credence to drummer Nick Bracewell’s texturized accents, and bassist Joe Vasquez, rooted groove lines. While cuts like “Alone in Michigan” speak to the loneliness of being away from home and the emptiness of missing loved ones. The trio creates an introspective take on this Kendrick original that is pensive and emotive. A celebratory fast paced tune is found in “Blues al Pastor” giving way to a burner for the trio, with quick crashes and nimble paced notes a flurry, the trio shines on this cut, showing the prowess of all involved in this tightly knit trio. Closing out the disc is a lilting tune capturing the indescribable emotions of new parenthood “Lullaby For A New Mother” offers the listener a beautiful journey with a fluidity of soundscape and the delicacy of joy, with passionate moments of fervor.

Rootless traverses a large terrain of emotions, but keeps firmly rooted in the jazz straight ahead idiom. A highly recommended listen, especially for the piano trio aficionado.