Natural Balance

by Scott YanowThis was the fifth and final recording by the original edition of the String Trio of New York before violinist Billy Bang departed. Comprised of Bang, guitarist James Emery and bassist John Lindberg, the original String Trio and its descendants sought to combine fairly free soloing with involved and multi-thematic compositions. The six group originals on this set (most memorable is Emery's rollicking "Texas Koto Blues") cover a great deal of ground and range from the accessible to the esoteric. An excellent outing.