Nate Mercereau, Josh Johnson, Carlos Niño : Openness Trio

The sound of Openness Trio is the sound of futurism, experimentation, and of a band re-writing what a jazz trio can be. Guitarist/producer Nate Mercereau, saxophonist Josh Johnson, and percussionist Carlos Niño are no strangers to the worlds of jazz and experimentalism. They are among a small but powerful group of “new” jazz players that are pushing the walls further out in the world of jazz. Much like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Andrew Hill did in their heydays, sometimes losing more fans than gaining. Yet history showed us they were indeed forward-thinking and seeing far beyond the horizon line we saw.

Nate Mercereau, Josh Johnson, and Carlos Niño’s Blue Note debut Openness Trio can be a mysterious, yet engaging listen. More ambient, moody, and atmospheric than what one would think of as jazz. But the best jazz in its time could be misunderstood or “strange”. These three artists have made an album of dark soundscapes, with touches of light that enter the room when you least expect it. It can be a tough record to unpack, but with repeated listens it grows on you.

I was already familiar with Josh Johnson and Carlos Niño via their work with International Anthem Records out of Chicago. Johnson was on one of my favorite records of the year so far with Uhlmann Johnson Wilkes, a trio record of subtle beauty and quiet restraint. Ambient in nature, but very much jazz in the sense of improvisatory brilliance. And Carlos Niño has been on plenty of records I’ve found fascinating. His percussive work is original and at times esoteric. I’m new to Nate Mercereau, but with this album I can hear someone wanting to take guitar into all new territory.

Openness Trio is awash in electronic tones thanks to Nate Mercereau’s guitar sounding more like a synthesizer than a guitar. Johnson and Niño equally give their instruments new sounds and sonic adjustments, making these songs otherworldly. And with 5 songs coming in just under 40 minutes there’s plenty of space for these three to explore and create. Opener “Hawk Dreams” is a meditative vibe throughout it’s nine and a half minute runtime. Pulsating notes start quietly and build to a bright crescendo. Even touches of New Age come thru. Two shorter tracks follow; “…Anything Is Possible” and “Openness”. “…Anything Is Possible” sits in controlled chaos as sounds come in and out. Busy percussion moves in and out as Johnson lays down some melodic sax lines. Mercereau is there for color with his heavily-effected guitar. “Openness” is more ambient in tone. Quiet, restrained, and keeps it short but sweet.

The album closes on the one-two punch of “Chimes In The Garden” and “Elsewhere”. “Chimes In The Garden” sounds like instruments recorded in a rainforest, percussion filling in for running water while the saxophone blasts notes. Guitar sits in the background filling in the blank spots. “Elsewhere” is a lovely ten minute closer, filled with a sense of light and closure. It’s a stunning end.

While Openness Trio may not be for everybody, those that lock in will find much to love. Not your average jazz record, but these are not average musicians.