Since the group's inception in early 2012, Laurenzi/Ernst/Green have established themselves as an important new facet of Chicago’s creative music scene. Featuring tenor saxophonist Dustin Laurenzi, bassist and vocalist Katie Ernst, and drummer Andrew Green, the group's aesthetic blends jazz, folk, and improvised music, yielding an honest and refreshing take on the saxophone/bass/drums trio.
Laurenzi/Ernst/Green’s debut album “Sightline” presents the unified sound concept of a tight-knit Chicago band. With most of the track times well under six minutes, “Sightline” achieves satisfying depth within a focused and concise delivery. The opening track, “Phases” sets the tone for the album, demonstrating quiet intensity while seamlessly highlighting each member of the group. The slow build and introspection of Laurenzi’s ballad “Big Papes” and the folksy freedom of Ernst’s “Simple Song” showcase the melodic core of the trio’s sound, while drummer Andrew Green provides a dynamic rhythmic undercurrent that propels the listener through the album’s seven tracks. Bassist Katie Ernst is introduced as a vocalist on her composition “A Very Short Song,” which borrows a Dorothy Parker poem as the lyric.
Ernst also sings on her compositions “Skoops,” and “I Have My Doubts,” both of which feature a striking blend of Laurenzi’s dark, round tenor sound and Ernst’s wordless vocals. The multi-sectional final track of the album, “AS-80” provides ample closing remarks for a record that takes listeners on a concise, yet satisfying musical journey.
More information at laurenziernstgreen.com