Gravity Without Airs

The exemplary and well-travelled cornetist Kirk Knuffke presents a bold new trio, with bassist Michael Bisio and pianist Matthew Shipp, on an intimate and expansive double album. Gravity Without Airs features' the three world-class musicians on Knuffke compositions and in open form, creating a tour-de-force of poetry and verve. This is Knuffke's debut as a leader for TAO Forms. Accolades for the cornetist's recent work as leader include NPR's Jazz Album of the Year laurel for 2017's Cherryco, his homage to Don Cherry, a prime influence. DownBeat praised the way that album showcased Knuffke's "nonchalant versatility and ebullient melodic gifts," while esteemed critic Francis Davis called it "nothing short of spectacular." Davis also wrote the liner notes for Gravity...noting the allure of Knuffke's instrumental aplomb: "Kirk plays as if his cornet is a part of him - he plays with it, not just on it."