JAZZ REVIEW |Chris Madsen, "Threefold" by Jeff Cebulski

Chis Madsen, Clark Sommers, Dana Hall

Threefold

Calligram Records 2026

By Jeff Cebulski | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Chris Madsen, tenor and soprano saxophones

Clark Sommers, bass

Dana Hall, drums

Threefold, the second trio recording of three Chicago jazz thoroughbreds—saxophonist Chris Madsen, bassist Clark Sommers, and drummer Dana Hall—moves on from interpretation to original compositions written specifically for the trio, half by Madsen and half by Sommers. The selections are broad in style, showcasing the rapport this ensemble has as well as their respective abilities. Their first album, 2023’a The Trio Book, featured their takes on not-so-well-known compositions by other people. The release established this trio as good as other more famous groups, in that Madsen recognized the importance of a superb rhythm section in the trio format. Threefold advances that idea, but with the added challenge of rendering postmodern originals, an effort that ultimately satisfies expectations.

In the opener “Digital Harvest,” Madsen plays his soprano like a heralding lake bird before settling in on a modal run with Sommers prancing alongside. Hall swingbeats “Shadow People” in counterpoint to Madsen’s droll tenor expression. Sommers’ tribute to the leader, “Mads,” pairs the saxophonist with the malleted drummer before the bassist’s entrance, featuring a dignified solo that leads to a Konitz-like passage from Madsen and an invigorated trio excursion.

The longest piece, Sommers’ “Hidden Message” is again opened by Hall, who keeps his mallets and includes cymbal splashes as Sommers pronounces a low-ranged, ominous line that accompanies Madsen’s equally cryptic tone poem that evolves into a sensuous, exotic delivery. “Dream Music” rides a deep-wood blues quip from Sommers into a playful Madsen dance supported by Hall’s elliptical street march beat. A postmodern bop, “Revolving Door,” demonstrates what this trio can deliver in tandem and rigor. Madsen’s “Man of Action” shifts around in a pause-and-release fashion, giving the trio mates room for improv meandering. The finale, “Buyer’s Remorse,” puts the ensemble into something more like its post-bop predecessors, with significant swing driving Madsen’s Rollinsesque travels up and down his instrument.

On Threefold, Chris Madsen and his ultra-talented rhythm section extend their already evident fellowship into new territory that cements them as a formidable jazz unit.

For more info, go to calligramrecords.bandcamp.com

About Jeff Cebulski

Jeff Cebulski, who lives in Chicago, is a retired English educator (both secondary and collegiate) and longtime jazz aficionado. His career in jazz includes radio programs at two stations in southeast Wisconsin, an online show on Kennesaw State’s (GA) Owl Radio from 2007 until 2015, and review/feature writing for Chicago Jazz Magazine since 2016, including his column "Jazz With Mr. C". He has interviewed many jazz artists, including Joshua Redman, Charles Lloyd, Dave Holland, John Beasley, and Chris Brubeck, as well as several Chicago-based players. Jeff is a member of the Jazz Journalists Association. Contact Jeff at jeff@chicagojazz.com