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Neil Cowley Trio: Radio Silence
ByCowley being a prominent contributor on pop sensation Adele's first platinum-selling recording, 19 Columbia, 2008), is likely to impress a broader demographic of American music fans On Radio Silence, the trio's most valuable assets are also the most intangible qualities its music possesses. From the minimalist opening of "Monoface" to the unhurried beauty of the title track, the group displays an organic synergy that imprints varying styles with a unique identification.
The briskly paced "Vice Skating" combines a slightly off-kilter melody with the classical influences of Cowley's musical upbringing (at age 10, he performed a Shostakovich piano concerto at Queen Elizabeth Hall). The diverse Cowley doesn't ignore his pub band history either; "Gerald" and "Hug the Greyhound" are spiked with a dancing energy that exudes the trio's enthusiasm for a good romp. Accompanying Cowley's fast-paced keyboard work, bassist Richard Sadler propels the momentum while drummer Evan Jenkins alternates between being a subtle presence and a dynamic force.
Notwithstanding its relative anonymity on this side of the pond, Cowley's trio has two previous and highly regarded collections; Displaced (Hide Inside Records, 2006) was the recipient of the 2007 BBC Jazz Award for Best Album. While much of American jazz languishes in the safe nostalgia of the twentieth century, a number of European jazz community members like the Neil Cowley Trio continue to forge ahead into more challenging territory. The qualities may sometimes be intangible but the rewards are great.
Track Listing
Monoface; Radio Silence; Vice Skating; A French Lesson; Gerald; Desert To Rabat; Stereoface; Hug The Greyhound; Portal.
Personnel
Neil Cowley
pianoNeil Cowley: piano; Richard Sadler: bass; Evan Jenkins: drums.
Album information
Title: Radio Silence | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: Naim Label