The best way to describe the music that is played by this Russian jazz trio, and I am sure most of you will understand exactly what I mean, is that this is an album that could perfectly be played as background music in those executive Hotel bars.

But to better frame my words, the debut album from the St. Petersburg based trio is, and making it even easier for you: a roundabout of easy-listening jazz, with emphasis on the excellent piano work by Kirill Sokirko, whose playing ability and obvious mastering of the piano really drives the musicality of the band. This does not mean that bassist Dmitri Malygin and drummer Roman Smirnov are simply fillers, as they contribute fully to the richness of the music, and help turning classic (and classy), complex jazz tunes into something really enjoyable.

Despite the name of the band including the word Fusion, the fact is that Fusion Point always stay on the pure jazz grounds, though in its most smoothing and melodic side. I mean, there is complexity, inventiveness and exquisite playing abound, yet the music is constantly kept on that difficult to get status of “listenable by all” yet purest jazz.

Even if I am not that much of a jazzman, I cannot escape from feeling cozy, warmed and relaxed while listening to the superb and flawless playing of this Russian trio. In what concerns the style that they propose and deliver, they surely show to be on top of their game. And if you like the smoother and more melodic side of jazz, then you cannot go worng with this album.