The Black Market Trust: “II” – an ability to blend musical groove and technical fluency seamlessly

The Black Market Trust is made up of bassist Brian Netzley who along with guitarist Jeffrey Scott Radaich, were members of the groundbreaking and world-class Gonzalo Bergara Quartet. After spending six formative years as supporting cast members with Bergara, Netzley and Radaich decided the time was right to focus on a new project that would stay true to their love of Django but combine it with a new American flavor. Keeping the core trio line-up from the first Black Market Trust album of Radaich, Netzley and Chris Irwin on rhythm guitar, they rounded out the lineup with LA based session and touring drummer Brandon Laws and Nick Coventry, a Tucson, Arizona violin hero/Eastern European folk music expert. In addition to the new musicians they also decided to add vocals to the Black Market Trust sound.

 The Black Market Trust’s current release “II” combines the sounds of the great American crooners and vocal groups with the romantic Eastern European gypsy fire of jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. For casual jazz fans and American songbook lovers, this album will give a nostalgic taste of rhythms, textures and sounds of another time – delivered by the best. For Django and gitane music aficionados, these tracks are gems.

The Black Market Trust’s playing is red hot yet polished, crisp and precise, and amazes for the sheer richness of their inexhaustible ideas both as soloists and ensemble accompanists. Jeffrey Scott Radaich once again proves why he is the undisputed genius of the gypsy guitar – never missing a beat, a quarter-tone or an opportunity to play something fresh, new and heartfelt.

Add the 3-part harmony, plus twelve songs the whole world has come to love over the years, and you have an absolute winner on your hands.  Each of these tunes has a high swing level and some wonderful playing. Intelligent music that makes you want to shake your groove, no matter what era it’s made in, is something to be treasured.

This is definitely swinging music of the danceable variety. But at the same time any aspiring musician or music buff could easily marvel at the ability, technique and sheer ability to swing that The Black Market Trust always brings to this music. It’s the type of world class talent you just cannot deny – and if for no other reason than their ability to blend musical groove and technical fluency seamlessly.

A collection of some of the most loved songs on the planet, together with superb playing from everyone, jaw-dropping vocal work, while the interplay and invention are exciting throughout, guarantees that The Black Market Trust’s effect on listeners will be palpable. Anyone who doesn’t have a joyous smile on their faces when hearing this music should schedule some therapy. These are sounds that would satisfy 3 generations in any household.

Breaking down each song would be useless, as you know them all off by heart already, you just haven’t heard anybody play “Fly Me To The Moon”, Route 66”, “Memories Are Made Of These”, “Dream A Little Dream Of Me” and “My Baby Just Cares For Me”, like this before. These versions are fun, uplifting, innovative and filled with virtuoso playing. Besides showing off dazzling technique, wonderful string and horn arrangements, as well as pristine recording and mastering, this blend of the American songbook and Gypsy Jazz, swings with wild abandon and is played and sung from the heart.

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