COMPOSERS: Phronesis
LABELS: Edition
CATALOGUE NO: EDN 1021
Pianist Dave Stapleton’s Edition record label is now home to several excellent young groups, including Panacea and the splendid Curios, as well as gathering in bands featuring well-established musicians such as Martin France’s adventurous Spin Marvel, and Stapleton’s own quintet.
Phronesis, led by bassist Høiby, who composed all the pieces here, comfortably takes a prominent place among the plethora of piano trios around these days.
Høiby’s imaginative lines provide a powerful yet flexible backbone to the music, which sometimes reminds me strongly of the early days of the superb Howard Riley Trio in the way that it melds freedom and discipline so effectively, but Neame’s playing, vibrant and elegant, takes in much that has happened since: he would, if you must, be categorised as post-Keith Jarrett.
Guiliana, a short-notice deputy for Anton Eager, merits much credit for fitting in so well with the trio’s rich, individual style. Although a live recording, the sound quality and balance is exemplary. Barry Witherden