I’ve been holding my breath for this album since the moment I read about it. First, I really liked the previous Jamie Saft Trio album that played tunes from the Masada Songbook. Then Jamie Saft is one of the best sound engineer/producers/pianists around and Bob Dylan is highly respected here, I wondered what the outcome would be like.

The last two days I’ve been listening to it on and off to choose which song to put online, usually there’s songs that would sparkle at first listen and it would be easy to choose, but this time it was different because there’s no sparkling/bad songs on this one. You have to drop the album and listen to it from beginning to end to experience it completely. Ayways, i took my time, and came up with 2 songs that hit me the most over time. Mr. Saft’s piano skills are not to be doubted and his sound and playing are a delight to hear. However one downside for me was that, even though I respect Dylan, I’m not really a Dylanhead so I don’t know the original versions of the songs, nor the significance of them and I’m not so much into blues as well, so some of the songs here (although perfectly executed) didn’t strike me as hard as the Jewish scales on the previous Trio album.

Then there are the guests. Mike Patton lends his vocal talent for Ballad of A Thin Man and Anthony from Anthony and the Johnsons sings on Living the Blues, and of course the usual suspects Greg Cohen on bass and Ben Perowsky on drums. Masterfully crafted moody blues & jazz trio album, if you’re into Dylan and blues, I think this would definitely be a highlight of your collection.

Jamie Saft Trio - What was it you wanted
Jamie Saft Trio - Trouble