Trichotomy - Known-Unknown (2017)
The Australian trio Trichotomy returns with The Known and the Unknown on Challenge Records. In a distinct step into new territory electronic sounds merge with acoustic improvisations, while the complexity of their compositions and group improvisations are balanced by graceful melodies and rich harmonies. Vivid and bright, it is compelling listening.
4**** star review by The Guardian:
''Svensson would have been proud of the lyrical simplicity and gentle piano-bass exposition of drummer John Parker’s misty ballad It’s Strange Coming Back.''
Inspired by a diverse range of influences from Aphex Twin to Vijay Iyer, and Tortoise to The Bad Plus, Trichotomy’s music combines a dense rhythmic focus with the melodic clarity of a Pat Metheny, Brad Mehldau, or the modern European jazz of Tord Gustavsen & Nik Bärtsch.
Compositions often find a fine balance between heavily notated sections and completely free improvisations. The Known and the Unknown is an apt description of the material the trio brought to the studio to record in June 2016, but more importantly it is a representation of the push and pull within improvised music. The music cannot exist without both, and both must remain in balance.
© 2017 - NewArts International / Challenge Records Int.
