Jeff Sipe Trio is the debut album by the group of the same name, led by drummer Jeff Sipe. It was recorded in August and September, 2013, at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, and was released in 2014 by Abstract Logix. On the album, Sipe is joined by guitarist Mike Seal and bassist Taylor Lee.[1][2][3]

Jeff Sipe Trio
Studio album by
Released2014
RecordedAugust–September, 2013
StudioWashington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia
GenreJazz
Length41:40
LabelAbstract Logix
ABLX 045
ProducerGraham Spice

Concerning the contents of the album, Sipe commented: "The song choices that were made for this record all stressed the importance of having strong melodies... in both the compositions and the way we improvised. This material is strong enough to stand on its own – these are songs, first and foremost."[4]

Reception edit

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
All About Jazz     [5]

In a review for All About Jazz, Mark Sullivan wrote: "While always technically impressive, these tracks all sound like songs... A strong debut recording from a group that sounds as if they have been playing together much longer than they have. Their eclectic, contemporary fusion approach fits right in with the rest of the Abstract Logix roster."[5]

Dean Budnick, writing for Relix, stated: "By turns tender and invigorating, the album highlights the group's range, guided by a bandleader who describes himself with a laugh as 'a jazz drummer in the land of the banjo.'"[6]

Track listing edit

  1. "Trumpet" (Mike Seal) – 3:00
  2. "Alberta" (Taylor Lee / Jeff Sipe) – 4:17
  3. "Banana Pudding" (Jaron Bradley / Taylor Lee) – 5:27
  4. "April" (Mike Seal) – 3:17
  5. "Lighting Man" (Taylor Lee) – 6:03
  6. "Renee" (Mike Seal) – 3:35
  7. "Naima" (John Coltrane) – 5:10
  8. "Home Town" (Mike Seal) – 4:26
  9. "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" (Hank Williams) – 3:40
  10. "Happy Evil Happy" (Jeff Sipe) – 2:45

Personnel edit

  • Jeff Sipe – drums
  • Mike Seal – electric guitar
  • Taylor Lee – bass guitar

References edit

  1. ^ "Jeff Sipe Trio with Mike Seal & Taylor Lee". AllMusic. Retrieved August 31, 2022.
  2. ^ "Jeff Sipe Trio Announce New Album". Jambands.com. September 23, 2014. Retrieved August 31, 2022.
  3. ^ "Abstract Logix Records discography". JazzLists. Retrieved August 31, 2022.
  4. ^ "Jeff Sipe Trio". Abstract Logix. Retrieved August 31, 2022.
  5. ^ a b Sullivan, Mark (February 12, 2015). "Jeff Sipe Trio Featuring Mike Seal And Taylor Lee". All About Jazz. Retrieved August 31, 2022.
  6. ^ Budnick, Dean (January 28, 2015). "Track By Track: Jeff Sipe Trios 'Jeff Sipe Trio featuring Mike Seal and Taylor Lee'". Relix. Retrieved August 31, 2022.