The story behind this album is almost (but not quite) as intriguing as the music. As many of you have noticed, I've been writing about a lot of Toronto jazz musicians lately. The main reason for that is a couple of PR types who have connections there. But another very good reason is the unusual combination of instruments and ideas that keep bubbling across the border (or Lake Ontario. Whatever).

The Patrick Smith Words Trio Words Underlined (Lit Soc)

Ten years ago, Sellers and Newell (a Toronto bookstore) began hosting jazz shows. The artists got to keep all the cash from the cover, and the bookstore sold more books. Win-win. After ten years of shows, the bookstore decided to begin releasing its own records. This live set from the store is the first.

Patrick Smith's saxophone is well-traveled in Ontario jazz circles. He brings in guitarist Dan Pitt and drummer Lowell Whitty to work through some compositions and improvisations. While I'm sure this trio has worked together before one way or another, this seems to be more of a one-off evening at the bookstore.

That off-the-cuff ease permeates this bright and inventive set. Like most Canadian jazz that I've heard in the past few years, these guys don't really adhere to any particular school. The combination of sax and guitar with drums leads to some deliciously sinewy lines and aggressive squonking, though the latter is restrained. In many ways, this is just a document of some friends hanging out on a Friday (or whatever) night.

All I can say is that the next (er, first) time I'm in Toronto, I'm checking the Sellers and Newell sked. Hearing musicians meander and conduct the occasional heat check is a great way to spend any night. And I've got a very long list of books to collect. This delightful set is the perfect way for the shop to start another tradition. More, please.

Jon Worley