OM Trio

Globalpositioningrecord (Slimtrim)

Once voted "best local jazz band" by Bay Guardian readers, the OM Trio has since taken a hiatus from active touring as its members spread themselves across the country. That's a shame, because their newest release, Globalpositioningrecord, shows the group's creative powers were still in full bloom when they recorded the album in the Bay Area months ago. Highlights include "L," in which keyboardist Brian Felix conjures up a funky reinterpretation of Joe Zawinul's sonic wizardry as bassist Pete Novembre and drummer Ilya Stemkovsky shift between fusion and disco grooves. Elsewhere, the use of extended percussion techniques to simulate a drum machine on "Hence" changes an ambient jazz piece in the tradition of Miles Davis's In A Silent Way into a slice of mesmerizing electronica that floats along in the breeze. Then there's the warmly romantic "Romeo," which recalls Steely Dan – except with that act's detached irony momentarily displaced by a vulnerable upward gaze. Both Felix and guest guitarist Jason Concepcion tastefully solo over the tune with their ears intent on both melody and timbre, making it a spectacular and distinct change from the rest of the funkier tracks. So, let it be said here first: Guys, come back! (Alex K. Fong)

Lady Bianca

Let Love Have Its Way (Magic-0)

Lady Bianca keeps one foot in the juke joint, the other in a storefront church. A veteran of the Sly Stone, Frank Zappa, and Van Morrison bands, the Oakland-based musician applies her husky contralto pipes to a dozen blues, soul, and pop tunes penned in collaboration with husband Stanley Lippett on her fourth CD. Her first two – for Telarc and Rooster Blues – featured band support, but like her previous release on her own Magic-O label, this is essentially a voice-and-piano affair. The warmth and elasticity of Lady Bianca's tones are matched by few other Bay Area singers, and she uses them to powerfully emotive effect on these often sensual love songs. "I just can't wait to taste the honey from your sweet, sweet, sweet lips / And to feel your tender hands all over my body, my neck, and my face," she oozes on the title track. Her barrelhouse piano attack is steady and two-fisted – recalling that of Aretha Franklin – but her technique is limited. To compensate, she overdubs additional piano and synthesizer parts, as well as vocal harmonies and hand percussion. Unfortunately, the keyboard overdubs are sometimes out of sync and suggest arrangements that cry out for full orchestration. Lady Bianca plays Fri/24, Far East Restaurant, 631 Grant, SF. (415) 982-3245. (Lee Hildebrand)

Mail stuff for review to Sarah Han, Bay Guardian Building, 135 Mississippi St., SF. CA 94107.