Matt Nischan Trio

Steven's Steakhouse
Gurnee, IL
April 12, 2007

Matt Nischan Trio

Story by Brad Walseth
Photos by Tristan Brandon (black & white digital)
and Brad Walseth (color film)

The luxuriant and comfortable surroundings of "Steven's Steakhouse" in Gurnee was the scene for the debut performance by the Matt Nischan Trio last Thursday April 12, and if the premiere is any indication this is a trio to keep an eye on.

Drummer Nishan has put together a group that plays with excitement and taste. Matt Young is a young up-and-coming bassist who is a regular with many artists down in the city, while guitarist Dan Effland can be seen often in various configurations and accompanying singers like Lesley Byers and Lisa Roti. On their first gig together as a trio, these three musicians sounded quite comfortable with each other, and their interaction made for an entertaining evening.

The presentation of standards like "'Round Midnight," and "Milestones" was wonderful and helped put the crowd at Steven's into a cheerful mood. All members displayed admirable skills in support or as soloists, with guitarist Effland's guitar tesselations reverberating with the echoes of greats like Joe Pass. The band's uptempo tunes had the staff and crowd cheering for more, while their luscious version of "The Nearness of You" - complete with shimmering bowed bass work by Young - could nearly bring tears to your eyes. Do yourself a favor and catch this fine young group if you can in the future.