"Like Someone in Love" from the Jun Iida Trio's 2019 album Live @ Kulak's Woodshed presents Jimmy Van Heusen's beloved standard in E-flat major with a 32-bar ABAC form at 176 BPM. The drumless trio of trumpet, guitar, and bass creates an intimate atmosphere well suited to this romantic composition. Bassist Kevin McClellan opens the solo section with two choruses, followed by trumpeter Jun Iida with three choruses and guitarist Masami Kuroki with two choruses. The absence of drums and piano places the harmonic and rhythmic responsibilities squarely on the three musicians, creating a transparent texture that highlights each player's contributions. Iida's trumpet work is lyrical and technically assured, his three-chorus solo building a compelling narrative through the tune's elegant chord changes. Kuroki's guitar provides both harmonic support and melodic improvisation, while McClellan's bass anchors the performance with a strong, melodic walking line that occasionally ventures into solo territory. Kulak's Woodshed, a beloved venue in the North Hollywood jazz community, provides an acoustic environment that captures the trio's natural sound without studio processing. The recording documents an ensemble that clearly thrives on the interactive possibilities of small-group jazz improvisation.
