‘A View with a Room’ is the fourth release by saxophonist and composer Trish Clowes and her acclaimed band My Iris, an intense and thrilling quartet that represents the front rank of the contemporary UK jazz scene. Lauded for her imaginative approach to improvisation and composition, Clowes provides her bandmates Ross Stanley (piano/Hammond organ), Chris Montague (guitar) and James Maddren (drums) with a unique platform for individual expression, delivering driving grooves and lingering melodic lines, seamlessly morphing between earthy restlessness and futuristic dreamscapes.
Most of the repertoire came together during the pandemic for various livestream events, Clowes writing a new tune for each precious playing opportunity. Many of the tracks make direct reference to issues created and exacerbated by the global pandemic, commenting on personal loss and creativity as solace, the climate crisis, and the ever-growing migrant crisis. The title track suggests a surreal, and yet strangely relatable concept, forced upon much of the world during these deeply isolating times. "The Ness" is inspired by sounds and images from a Scottish coastline by filmmaker / collaborator Rose Hendry. “Amber" is for Amber Bauer, CEO of Donate4Refugees (a charity Clowes is an ambassador for), reflecting her energy and dynamism. “Ayana" is dedicated to Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, an inspiring writer, marine biologist and policy expert, who speaks clearly and positively on the issues of climate change. Creative music for and of our times.
1. A View with a Room
2. The Ness
3. Amber
4. Morning Song
5. No Idea
6. Ayana
7. Time
8. Almost
Trish Clowes - tenor & soprano saxophones
Chris Montague - guitar
Ross Stanley - piano, Rhodes & Hammond organ
James Maddren - drums
Production Credits:
Executive Producer: Dave Douglas
Producer: MY IRIS
Recorded at Livingston Studios (Studio 1) in London, England on August 31st & September 1st, 2021
Recording engineer: Darren Jones
Assistant recording engineer: Luke Farnell
Mixing and mastering engineer: Chris Kelly
Cover Photography: Rose Hendry
Studio photography: Chris Kelly
Graphic designer: Lukas Frei
All compositions by Trish Clowes (PRS)
Trish is a Vandoren UK artist, using Vandoren reeds and ligatures
