Love is in the air as the Jak Mason Trio encapsulate that late 60s/early 70s Mod/Soul/Jazz spirit that can extends Blue Note sleaze funk to lounge jazz - and who does love that? They've even got US jazz singer heart-throb, Kurt Elling to sing on the title track!
Whether it be Blue Note's organ star turns Jimmy Smith, Brother Jack McDuff, Larry Young (and we'll throw in Grant Green for good measure) to organ led prog-rockers ELP, there is something special with Hammond B3 led trios; and Jake Mason and his two mates, are indeed perfect companions as the long awaited follow up to their debut album, 'The Stranger In The Mirror'.
And in addition to Danny Fischer (drums) and James Sherlock (guitar) they've managed to get international jazz singing star Kurt Elling to sing on the title track, 'The Modern Ark' is a nu-Mod classic. Back in the day, used to play-out track from Kurt's 2011 album, 'The Gate' so this guy knows how to swing.
The other guest vocal is on 'Stop Searching For Love' featuring Kate Ceberano as a downtempo ballad and there's one or two slower tracks on the ten track album which is in keeping with the Jimmy Smith 'school'.
Equally "in keeping" is the fast pace opener 'The Last Piece', the dancey 'Boogaloo Popcorn' and 'Green Pick' (Ed. wonder who inspired that one?)
But hang on, even though this is so much more than a one trrack album, you need this for the killer final track 'Here's Your Change' - It's a shame that it's not longer but is that Aussie humour in the title?
Pretty much a perfect follow up to 'Cookin' The Books' by Cookin' On 3 Burners (see review HERE) for the Soul Messin' label; and why did it take so long to be released? Don't know but we're told it was recorded 'live' like they did at Blue Note and it's got that Van Gelder Studio sound - no wonder it's so good!
BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: The Modern Ark | Jake Mason Trio
Artist: Jake Mason Trio
Title: The Modern Ark
Release date: 13th February, 2026
Label : Soul Messin' Records
Catalog Number : SMRLP0225 / SMRCD-0225
Format: Vinyl 12" LP (Limited) / CD / Digital / Bandcamp
