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Ben Crosland Threeway with Lewis Wright (Empirical)
Yorkshire bassist, bandleader and composer Ben Crosland formed the trio, with his two long-term associates trumpeter Steve Waterman and keyboard man Steve Lodder, ten years ago, in order to explore the possibilities of a group without drums. The trio approaches improvisation in a subtle and open manner; the interplay between the players creates a natural intensity combined with an acute sensitivity to dynamics. Three albums, 'Conversations', 2005, 'Songs of the Year', 2009, and the recent 'Looking Forward, Looking Back' have attracted enthusiastic reviews. The latest recording included vibraphone contributions from Jim Hart. Lewis Wright ( lauded member of Empirical) plays vibes for this gig.
"Crosland’s compositions are often quite captivating, the reactions and interplay between [the three musicians] as near perfection as anyone could want". wrote Peter Vacher in Jazzwise. "‘…a real delight…The ensemble playing has the togetherness that only comes from top musicians who know each other well and think as one". Dave Gelly, The Observer.
A recent video sample of the four is available here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkBJ-9RdCoY
‘This is a surprisingly varied, and consistently accomplished, elegant and musicianly set from three polished performers’. Chris Parker www.vortexjazz.co.uk/cd-reviews.htm
‘A chamber trio that generates intimacy and heat’. Chris Ingham, Mojo.
‘….a supremely accomplished band….richly varied but consistently approachable pieces’. Chris Parker, londonjazz.blogspot.com
‘It would be hard to find a more well-matched trio. The interplay among them is unfailingly ingenious without descending into needless complexity’. ‘…a real delight…The ensemble playing has the togetherness that only comes from top musicians who know each other well and think as one’. ‘…a beautifully warm and intimate sound….there is an open air, meditative atmosphere about the whole programme. The solo playing is immaculate’. Dave Gelly, The Observer.
This is a band that gives the term "chamber jazz" a good name. All three are virtuoso players who know each other so well that their improvisations just seem to fall into place. It's subtle music – warm, melodic and gently intriguing. Ben Crosland, bassist and leader, composes most of the tunes, with occasional contributions from pianist Steve Lodder and trumpeter Steve Waterman. This time, they are joined for about half the programme by vibraphonist Jim Hart, who proves to be the perfect guest. In the absence of drums, his instrument adds a gently percussive sparkle to the proceedings. Dave Gelly, The Observer (on Looking Forward Looking Back),the latest release from Threeway
Ben Crosland, bass; Steve Waterman, trumpet; Steve Lodder, keyboards; Lewis Wright, vibes.
£12/ £10 members/ £5 Students