The first time I saw Kat Wright live was a festival gig where the band’s horn section alone was comprised of 3 people. Wright has that special balance of power and grace in her voice that can shimmer and float to the top of a big band setting, I don’t think anyone who has witnessed her perform could deny that. But the intimacy and vulnerability that she and collaborators Bob Wagner and Josh Weinstein has crafted with their newly (and COVID necessary) formed trio outfit is something truly magnificent. 

A few months back the three artists performed a showcase about 30 minutes from my house, beneath a large tent as rain poured from the sky, pattering against the white sheathing of the big top that a crowd slowly amassed beneath. From the first breath of that performance everyone in attendance knew there was something magical about the stripped down nature of that iteration of the band. Each artist lending their voice to something organic and beautiful that undulated and moved in a seductive, serpentine manner beneath the big top. The joining of those voices, is something breathtaking.

On the trio sessions, they share that spotlight in beautiful collaboration. Track 2 giving the initial lead duties to Bob Wagner. His voice, gentle and longing. Slowly moving over trickling acoustic guitar notes, when Wright’s voice enters to join and Weinstein’s slow but expert bass notes fill the space beneath. That slow build is something so subtle, but absolute perfection. How it picks you up and brings you along.

The closing track may be my hard chosen favorite of the 4 on the EP. The moment the chorus hits with the joining of voices, I don’t know, just moves me. The progression and vibe evolution throughout the song. “You know I’m coming hoooome…” that line just sways and pushes the rhythm forward. The dynamics of the track, intriguing and Wright’s annunciations on certain words, shaking but fully controlled, evoking that yearning and want in the lyrics. A song I keep coming back to and each time it hits me in a unique and powerful way.

 

 While the Trio Sessions Vol 1 takes a few creative liberties that any recording typically would, it manages to encapsulate and capture the emotion and feel of that live performance brilliantly. Using only what is necessary for the songs to truly shine. Each of their voices stands like a formidable fortress on their own. Peering close, you can see the delicate nature, but together a colossal force that can move mountains with the power behind it. At moments so heartfelt and emotional, you might witness the cracks and vulnerability that let the smallest amount of air pass. Then erupting together in joyous harmony and jubilation. Knee-weakening and hearts a flutter. 

Each year a record comes later in the year to me. After I feel I have exhausted all my listening, but there is so much more to digest. The Trio Sessions Vol 1 is that late game changer for me. A record that hits me the hardest in the moment and lingers with me long, long after listening. Echoing and reverberating around my head with its beauty and impact. For 2021, this my “THE album”.

Get this record.