Cuong Vu's "It's Mostly Residual," released in March 2006, is a captivating blend of free jazz, jazz fusion, and avant-garde elements that showcases the trumpeter's unique compositional style and virtuosic playing. This album features the Cuong Vu Trio, with Vu on trumpet, Bill Frisell on guitar, Stomu Takeishi on electric bass, and Ted Poor on drums, creating a dynamic and innovative sound that transcends traditional jazz boundaries.
The six-track album spans 57 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of sounds that range from the intricate and neurotic to the delicate and ethereal. Tracks like "Expressions of a Neurotic Impulse" and "Brittle, Like Twigs" highlight Vu's ability to craft complex, engaging pieces that push the limits of jazz while maintaining accessibility. The album's title track, "It's Mostly Residual," sets the tone with its exploratory and free-form approach, while "Patchwork" and "Chitter Chatter" demonstrate the band's knack for blending genres and creating something entirely new.
Critics have praised "It's Mostly Residual" for its dynamic range and the band's cohesive performance, though some have noted the limited dynamic range in the recording. Despite this, the album has garnered a high average rating of 4.45 out of 5, reflecting its impact on both jazz enthusiasts and broader audiences. Vu's work on this album is a testament to his ability to merge various musical influences into a cohesive and compelling whole, making it a standout release in his discography.
