Between 1990 and 1993, drummer Aldo Romano, clarinet/saxophone player Louis Sclavis and double bass player Henri Texier completed two tours of Central and West Africa organised by the network of cultural centres in Africa. With the objective of reconnecting with the African roots of jazz, the musicians gave a series of concerts …
Esbjörn Svensson Trio: From Gagarin’s point of view
Swedish Jazz pianist Esbjörn Svensson (1964 – 2008) died prematurely five years ago today at the young age of 44. The magnificent "From Gagarin’s point of view" stands out as one of the trio’s most recognizable ballads. It also featured on the trio’s eponymous 1999 recording, their first international breakthrough album to be …
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Marcin Wasilewski Trio: Night train to you
Marcin Wasilewski is a Polish jazz pianist and composer who formed his trio in the early 1990s with Slawomir Kurkiewicz (double bass) and Michal Miskiewicz (drums). With each member still under the age of 40, the trio already boasts an impressive CV, having worked and recorded with Polish trumpet player Tomasz Stańko and French …
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Neil Cowley Trio: Slims
London-born pianist and composer Neil Cowley formed his eponymous trio in 2006. The traditional trio formation of piano, drums (Evan Jenkins) and double bass (Rex Horan) hints of course at jazz music, but strong pop, rock and dance music influences are also very much in evidence. Neil Cowley composes catchy melodies built …
The Bad Plus: Everywhere you turn
The Bad Plus is often presented as an American jazz trio from Minneapolis. A more appropriate description would be that of three adventurous musicians playing instruments traditionally associated with jazz (drums, double bass and piano) but composing tunes following Rock structures, or de-constructing famous Pop anthems. Over …