Jordi Matas Organic Trio & Albert Sanz - Landscape (2008)

This is Matas' third record for Fresh Sound New Talent, an album that bears repeated listening from a guitarist who deserves more exposure and brings a fresh perspective to the art of cool. Jordi Matas is a fine writer of sometimes dark, sometimes playful electric music that sits solidly in the modern guitar tradition. He's done an excellent job recruiting the personnel for this trio setting, including drummer David Xirgu and Albert Sanz, whose Hammond B3 organ is the perfect complement to the denser moments of Matas' own guitar accompaniment. His hollow body guitar exudes feeling through his emphasis on thoughtful phrasing, balanced notes, and empathy for the music.

Jordi Matas (g), Albert Sanz (Hammond b3), David Xirgu (d)