Description
With 'The Rule of Three', the unique generation-spanning entity that is QOW TRIO are back with a barnstorming third album. Building logically on the natural development of their two previous collections, this time the fearless threesome can be heard roaming further than ever before into the uncharted hinterlands where the deep jazz tradition of the classic tenor trio format, laden with melody and swing, ventures into the untamed regions of free improvisation.
At the heart of the band is the unmistakable beat of drummer Spike Wells, who this year celebrates his 80th birthday and the 65th year of his extraordinary career at the forefront of jazz in the UK, providing the driving force behind everyone from homegrown heroes Tubby Hayes to Bobby Wellins to visitors like Stan Getz and Roland Kirk and countless others. Riding at his side to represent the current London-based millennial cohort is saxophonist Riley Stone-Lonergan, whose intriguing compositions and boundless creative imagination as an improvisor continue to add to his burgeoning reputation. Representing the diversity of tastes and interests and uncompromising creative stance typical of Gen X, big-toned bassist Eddie Myer rounds up the posse.
The trio initially got together through their mutual love of Sonny Rollins' touring piano-less trios of the late 50s and early 60s, but soon found themselves expanding their repertoire to explore the rich and varied territory opened up by their unique combination of individual tastes. This album is their most coherent, wide-ranging and adventurous set of recordings yet. From Ayler to Strayhorn, from be-bop to calypso, from cowboy movie to free-jazz shootout, there's a surprise at every turn, but always delivered with total sincerity and conviction and a driving desire to bring the audience with them every step of the way.
'The Rule of Three' is a bold and confident statement of intent from a real long-term project that's as invested in the music's future as it is inspired by and reverent of its past.
It's available on 180g black vinyl and 6-panel digipak CD editions.
Press:
"Repeated listens reveal not only a high level of playing and composition, but also of the ability to be disciplined and able to freely push at boundaries. Three, in this case, is most definitely a magic number." - **** Jazzwise (Editor's Choice)
"Recorded with clarity and warmth at The Fish Factory, "The Rule of Three" is QOW Trio's most coherent and adventurous statement yet...its balance of respect, risk and genuine band chemistry makes for a compelling listen - and one that suggests there's still plenty more to come from this quietly confident trio." - **** UK Vibe
"Trios are also the setting that make it easiest for the listener to appreciate the fine details of interaction between musicians of the highest skill, and QOW offer that satisfaction at almost every moment...A record to return to often." - UK Jazz News
