Twio, Vol. 2 marks the second chapter in Walter Smith III’s exploration of the pianoless trio format, this time with Joe Sanders and Kendrick Scott, joined by special guests Ron Carter and Branford Marsalis. The first instalment, released in 2018, featured Harish Raghavan on double bass and Eric Harland on drums, with Christian McBride and Joshua Redman appearing as guests. Now, as then, there is no piano to anchor the musical discourse, no harmonic safety net beneath their feet. Just air, wood, and drumheads. The sound takes shape as it unfolds, like a conversation poised between trust and vertigo. The saxophone does not lead; it opens up new paths. The double bass does not merely accompany; it engages in dialogue, returning the ball and keeping the exchange alive. And the drums do not simply keep time; they call it into question. This is music that finds its centre on the […]
