Occasionally, the last grab of a CD buying spree is the winner. That's certainly the case with Philipp Van Endert's "Trio," a CD of brilliantly fluid guitar-trio jazz that I found tucked down at the bottom of a new-release display. Such an accomplished cool jazz session would normally have scads of online info in this day of easy hype, yet Van Endert apparently keeps a low profile. Maybe that's all part of the cool vibe.
"Trio" starts out with the delicate, stately "Waltz for Andy," which layers lightly plucked electric guitar over a steady bass and drums. Other tunes, such as "Mouse," drop to a whisper, with most enhanced by soft, breathy horns. Van Endert's deep harmonies flowing under well-stated melodies draws on the refined technique of past guitar masters such as Tal Farlow and Pat Martino. Van Endert's style is no American copy, but has its own European flavor. His richly nuanced and understated approach create their own hype.