Description
2025 repress of the Neil Cowley Trio's hugely successful 2012 album 'The Face of Mount Molehill', featuring the tracks "Slims", "Rooster Was A Witness" and "Fable", available on natural uncoloured vinyl and CD editions.
Cementing his position as a dazzling composer of extraordinary talent, Neil Cowley and his trio scale the gargantuan summit of Mount Molehill where they explore the heights of everyday trivia, and score it to a soaring overture of epic proportions. Nourishing his fondness for grand, commanding sounds, Cowley has begun a love affair with orchestration. Having spent a year writing and arranging specifically for his trio and strings, he records, for the first time ever, with a string ensemble. The music is expansive, dynamic and deeply engaging. With the addition of soundscape textures from guitarist Leo Abrahams, (renowned for his collaborative work with Brian Eno) 'The Face of Mount Molehill' represents a substantial shift in direction.
Comprising 12 original tracks, the album takes the listener on an exciting musical journey from pomp and splendour to poignant, lyrical episodes; from sprightly and whimsical to powerful, rhythmic melodies. It would be far too simplistic to slot this thrilling music into the jazz pigeonhole; sure, it is instrumental but these songs without words have the power to break down standard perceptions of genre. Their sheer emotion and energy touch lovers of all music. The Neil Cowley Trio are known for their remarkable and engaging live performances, which always maintain a quirky sense of humour at their core.
Press:
"'Mount Molehill' is a glorious romp of a record...the most passionate and important album of his career so far." - **** Time Out
"Their most impressive opus yet." - **** Record Collector
"A lovely record of concise, melodic tracks that might find favour with anyone who has ever been attracted to Brubeck, the Penguin Cafe Orchestra, or Supertramp." - The Word
"Brains as well as brawn ... impressive" - **** MOJO
"A loveable English eccentric with odd blend of 'anthemic' melody and unexpected moments of pastoral radiance. (he and strings) work perfectly together" - The Daily Telegraph