Trichotomy - Fact Finding Mission

Sometimes a band, an album, can take you by surprise. Trichotomy, who must be Australia's best jazz band, have made such an album with the captivating Fact Finding Mission.

I must admit, I'm not as "up" on my jazz trios as I should be. I first stumbled in to the genre with the brilliant, and often written about here, Neil Cowley Trio, sometime in early 2009, and ever since have been trying to find anything comparable, in terms of scope, compositional nous and downright energy. Finally, with Trichotomy, I may have got somewhere close. Certainly, with their new album, the band have crafted something which should aid them, should they seek to "crossover" in the kind of way that Neil Cowley's increasingly popular trio seem to be able to.

The album is full of twists and turns, sprightly rhythmic flourishes, from the muscular opening of "Strom" and the rock solid groove of the title track on the one hand (featuring some cleverly and liberally sprinkled samples from some of the political "heroes" of recent times) on the one hand, to gentler pieces such as "Song for Ev" on the other. The synergy between the core trio of Sean Foran's flowing and enigmatic piano, John Parker's otherworldly drumming, and Patrick Marchisella's driving bass tones is startling throughout. Where on previous releases Trichotomy seemed to lack focus slightly, here everything seems to fit, to matter, to draw the listener in to a world where these pieces of music are the only ones you dare to listen to in this moment. No small achievement.

Witnessed live, at the nicely appointed Lakeside Arts centre in Nottingham last week, my thoughts on the album were only crystallised and strengthened. Here is a trio in perfect synergy with one another musically, as an evening of perfectly fused grooves and improvisational sections flew by in a heartbeat. The use of technology in sound manipulation and backing tracks was a particularly intelligent touch for me, adding to the already not inconsiderable quality on show to produce a special evening. Seeing that the band so clearly loved what they were doing (even with the telling of somewhat dodgy Aussie jokes and other "banter") makes it all the more special. This is serious music, played by men who have mastered their crafts, without losing the joy of playing live and working off one another. A real privilege to witness and to enjoy.

Lotte Kestner "Cliff" Video

Lotte Kestner is probably my favourite singer songwriter. Ever since a transfixing first viewing of Trespasser's William, somewhere around 2004, I have been progressively more spell-bound by everything that has emanated from the pen, and the voice of Anna-Lynne Williams. This is far from the first time I've eulogised about her voice in writing, and I'm sure it won't be the last, either. Lots of people have special voices, but not many use them to their full, spectacular potential.

Having released a couple of albums independently, Lotte Kestner now returns with a new album, Bluebird of Happiness, on a new label, Saint Marie Records. The video for the album's first single, Cliff, can be seen below.

I'll have a review for the album here in the not-too-distant future, but in the meantime, sit back, bask in the wonder of this single, and then pre-order the album forthwith. Perhaps this will finally be Anna-Lynne's time to enter the spotlight of the wider public consciousness that her beguiling talent undoubtedly deserves.

With Anna-Lynne currently hard at work with Robert Gomez on the follow up to last year's triumphant debut Ormonde album, Machine (featured in my albums of the year) as well as a follow up EP of her own, 2013 is already shaping up to be a special year.

Trichotomy - Strom *Free Download*

Trichotomy are one of the coolest jazz bands on the planet right now. Their new, brilliant album, Fact Finding Mission, releases on February 4th. In the run up to the release, and the band's forthcoming UK tour, the band have released the storming Strom as a free download.

You should go here to get it: Trichotomy "Strom" Free Download Link

Catch the band on tour at the following dates:

Trichotomy: ‘Fact Finding Mission’ UK Tour 2013

05/02    MILTION KEYNES                                  The Stables                    

www.stables.org
06/02    LONDON                                                   Pizza Express Jazz          

www.pizzaexpresslive.com
07/02    DORKING                                                  Watermill jazz              

 www.watermilljazz.co.uk
08/02    BURY ST EDMUNDS                              The Apex                          

www.theapex.co.uk
09/02    SOUTHAMPTON                                     Turner Sims                  

www.turnersims.co.uk
10/02    CARDIFF                                                   Café Jazz                            www.cafejazzcardiff.com
12/02    CORNWALL                                             St Ives Jazz Club                                 www.stivesjazzclub.com

13/02    NOTTINGHAM                                         Lakeside Arts Centre  

www.lakesidearts.org.uk
14/02    LEEDS                                                        7 Arts                                  

www.sevenleeds.co.uk 
15/02    MANCHESTER                                         Matt n’ Phreds              

www.mattandphreds.com

www.trichotomymusic.com
www.naimjazz.com

Joel Peter - Wrap My Ankles

Joel Peter's new video is a cracker. Joel used to be in Retrofect, who I liked a lot, and used to play gigs with a fair bit. One of the few bands I used to look forward to going to see (I sound so jaded!). It was really quite sad when they called it a day, and it's great to see Joel Peter has now come along with a debut, self-titled EP of intelligent, articulate summery-pop. I'm looking forward to digging into the EP further and I'm sure I'll find more delights when I do.

(I also quite like it because my bandmate Ben is in the band, favouritism is allowed, right?)



In an entirely uncynical aside, it's nice to see a video of an indie-ish song in which the band look as if they like each other and are having fun. I must be getting old....

Check out the video, download the EP. Keep an eye on Joel Peter this year

Albums of the Year 2012

It's been a great year for music. In trying together all my favourite releases of the year into one place I've been bowled over (as well as concerned not to miss anything important, sorry if I have!).

I'm not too fussy about when these records came out. For me it's all about compiling a list, a document of the albums which have moved me the most this year. Here they are.

I'd recommend checking out any of these if you haven't already. I'd post links and video etc to all the albums, but I just don't have time! Mostly this is in no particular order, except to say that the top 8 or so have really blown my mind, for a wide variety of reasons. No collection is complete without them.

Special mention to the Neil Cowley Trio album - I have no idea how these guys aren't ginormous (they would be if I had anything to do with it) but it does seem like things are finally starting to move for them, so be sure not to miss this amazing record.

There are so many fantastic albums here that I haven't written about them all. I have very reduced time these days. Trust me though!

Neil Cowley Trio - The Face of Mount Molehill

Karima Francis - The Remedy

Old Wives - Tidal Tales

Luke Sital-Singh - Fail For You EP

Ryan Stubbs - The Waking Cardinal

The Staves - Dead & Born & Grown

Lovedrug - Wild Blood

Matt Chamberlain, Viktor Krauss and Dan Phelps - Modular

Glissando - The World Without Us

Gareth Davies, Leo Fabriek, Thomas Cruijsen - Mere

Owen Thomas - Languages (Or: Get Dark & Find Yourself)

Ghosting Season - The Very Last of the Saints

T E Morris - We Were Animals

Sons - Keep Quiet

Fink - Wheels Turn Beneath My Feet

JT Daly - Memory
Sucre - A Minor Bird
Jason Aaron Coons - The Numbers

Paper Route - The Peace of Wild Things

Gungor - A Creation Liturgy (Live)

Get the Blessing - OCDC

Ormonde - Machine

Milo Greene - Milo Greene

Our Lady Peace - Curve

3 Car Pile-Up - Find Love

Happy Christmas!