Bringing together three musicians who share a love of jazz and a curiosity about new ideas, Arrival is an engaging collaboration between pianist Nicki Adams, saxophonist Michael Eaton, and drummer Francisco Mela. For their third collaboration, Adams and Eaton expanded their musical partnership by bringing in Mela. The result is a collection that brings together different influences, intricate arrangements, and plenty of room for spontaneous expression. One of the first things that catches the attention is the trio’s unusual setup. There is no traditional bass player, with Adams taking on the responsibility of creating bass lines through the piano’s left hand. However, this is far more than a simple change in instrumentation. The compositions use different musical voices in interesting ways, drawing on classical and contrapuntal traditions while giving the three musicians plenty of space to interact. Eaton’s saxophone and Adams’ piano work together beautifully, while Mela adds another layer of rhythmic expression.
The title track sets things in motion with an energetic 12/8 Afro-Cuban rhythm, giving the album a lively opening. “Solarity” brings a more open backbeat, while “It’s Alright With Me”, “Black Sabbath” and “Homage” explore the excitement of driving swing. Each composition has its own character, and the changes in rhythm and atmosphere keep the album interesting as it unfolds. Mela’s contribution deserves plenty of attention. His playing brings a fresh energy to the trio, responding to complex arrangements while leaving room for unexpected moments. His background in free improvisation fits naturally with the duo’s compositions, balancing careful musical construction with the freedom to follow an idea wherever it leads. “ESP” also includes a nod to Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time, and “Discursive Regime” features an especially interesting interplay between the different musical voices.
Personally, I really enjoy how these three musicians listen to and respond to each other. Their connection gives the album a natural flow, even when the arrangements become quite intricate. I also appreciate the variety in the compositions, as each musician gets room to contribute while the trio maintains a clear sense of direction. Arrival is an enjoyable listen for anyone who appreciates adventurous jazz, strong improvisation, and musicians unafraid to explore different possibilities. Nicki Adams, Michael Eaton and Francisco Mela have put together a record that rewards attention and makes you want to return to certain passages. Follow all three musicians to keep up with their latest releases and upcoming performances. If you haven’t heard Arrival yet, give the album a proper listen and add it to your jazz playlist. There is plenty to appreciate here, from the rhythmic work and piano arrangements to the expressive saxophone playing and Mela’s drumming. It’s a record worth sharing with anyone who enjoys discovering interesting jazz collaborations.
