corto.alto’s KEXP Session Is a Bass-Driven Trip-Hop Jazz Experience

This is my first time checking out corto.alto, and I’m glad I did. The Glasgow project, led by multi instrumentalist Liam Shortall, stopped by KEXP for a live session that sounds much bigger than a trio should. KEXP lists Shortall on bass, electronics, keys, and trombone, joined by Mateusz Sobieski on saxophone and Graham Costello on drums.

The performance has a progressive, trip hop leaning jazz vibe with lots of looping and synth textures filling out the space. Shortall keeps the bass at the center while building layers around it, making the trio feel like a much larger ensemble. He is playing a Fender Jazz Bass through an Ampeg rig, which gives the whole thing a deep, clear foundation.

Bassists looking for something different should check this one out.