Tim Stine Trio Releases Fresh Demons

Chicago-based guitarist Tim Stine is releasing his second trio record with Frank Rosaly (drums) and Anton Hatwich (bass) called  Fresh Demons. The album documents Tim Stine Trio’s progression as a band since their 2016 self-titled debut (also released via Astral Spirits) and sees them continuing to filter their collective influences into a modern jazz/improvised setting that sounds at home in either of those worlds. There is some noise here too, but there is also extra-precise rhythmic execution and harmony from all over.

Tim Stine grew up (probably like many midwest kids) listening to hip-hop and metal. There are lots of nods to ‘metal’ on here (see the lumbering "686868" or "VVVValley"), but also rhythmic pockets that aren’t usually heard in improvised jazz. While there aren’t any hip-hop backbeats, there are plenty of sections that will make you nod your head unexpectedly.

Recorded in 2018, the composition and expression on Fresh Demons reflect Stine processing and working through challenges he was facing in his personal life. Supporting this is Frank Rosaly who puts on a clinic about how to play drums melodically. He functions like a third melodic voice throughout the album, and takes every opportunity to add sounds and surprises to each track. Anton Hatwich works with and against Stine throughout the album, and adds to the overall feel of a chamber trio with each one improvising their own parts in real time. 

Fresh Demons follows Knots (2019, Clean Feed) which enlisted Windy City peers Nick Mazzarella, Matt Ulery, and Quin Kirchner. In addition to leading his Trio and Quartet, Stine has played as a leader and sideman in the groups Loris, Stine/Roebke/Reed Trio, Jarod Bufe Quartet and Nick Mazzarella Quintet.