Music reviews. CD reviews. Critically hip!

The number of jazz CDs released each year is amazing. The state of the genre for years has been one in which more and more players chase a shrinking pool of dollars. Yet, the music persists. Actually, it does more than persist. As the music industry collapses on itself, it appears that the model for making and performing music is evolving into one which jazz musicians have used for years: record a CD on a minimal budget and sell it at gigs. At the same time the internet, with its artist websites and digital stores, is a perfect marketing tool for jazz musicians, an electronic embodiment of what they have been doing for years.

The Laverne Christie Trio --- Christie on guitar, Mark Ruben on bass, and Mike Candito on drums --- has been around for awhile, confining themselves primarily to the environs of Las Vegas. Their debut CD, East of the Sun, West of the Moon, is both an artistic statement and a business card, if you will, consisting primarily of familiar jazz standards competently and in some cases (Stardust, Stompin’ At The Savoy) expertly presented. While not necessarily a groundbreaking disc, East of the Sun, West of the Moon doesn’t have a bad track on it. Christie is a guitarist in the Wes Montgomery style, eschewing pyrotechnics for light but professional improvisation that is considerate of the casual listener but providing much for the aficionado as well. An excellent example of this is the trio’s take on Line For Lyons, a lesser-known Jerry Mulligan composition which also features an interesting solo turn from bassist Ruben.

East of the Sun, West of the Moon is also impeccably produced and recorded, respectful of both the artist and the listener. While those interested in fireworks would best look elsewhere, this is a disc, and a trio, suited for quiet nights, peaceful mornings, and repetitive playing. Recommended.