Thisness is guitarist Miles Okazaki's third album for Pi Recordings with his band Trickster. It is a sequel to The Sky Below, which was described by Allmusic as "an umbrella of labyrinthine lyricism, full of mischief and delight as a harmonic foundation," and by Point of Departure as "overflowing with energy, and elegant despite it's complexity." The critical success of that album and WORK, an ambitious recording of the complete compositions of Thelonious Monk for solo guitar, helped land Okazaki atop the Rising Star Jazz Guitarist category in the Downbeat Critics Poll. For the new album, Okazaki has created a platform to improvise that emphasizes non-linear flow between musical ideas. Rather than a fixed book of compositions, the music is comprised of various themes connected by hubs that Okazaki describes as akin to traffic circles. Through hidden musical cues, the leader signals when the music is approaching the transition point and which exit path to take. Trickster features the rhythm section of bassist Anthony Tidd, and drummer Sean Rickman, who provide an elastic foundation, hurtling and tugging on the ever-present groove. Keyboardist Matt Mitchell and Okazaki together are a marvel of cohesion: Their constant weaving of contrapuntal, labyrinthine lines astound with their nimble precision. Despite all the obvious complexity, the playing feels effortlessly in service of the music rather than pointlessly dazzling. The wonder lies in their journey, with beautiful new vistas opening with each turn in the road.
