aaamusic | On 22, Oct 2010

The London Jazz Festival in association with BBC Radio 3 has long held a reputation for presenting festival exclusives and artist premiers.  Upholding that tradition, piano maverick Neil Cowley showcases new skills as an arranger, and cements his position as a dazzling composer, in a stunning finale to 2010’s Radio Silence tour.

In addition to unveiling new solo compositions, Cowley and his trio present a selection of favourites, old and new, augmented and enriched by a string quartet headed by Julian Ferraretto, lead violinist of the Heritage Orchestra, making their trademark high-drama, dynamic show even more powerful.

From rock-out manic riffs, to reflective moments of sheer elegance, the Neil Cowley Trio take listeners on an emotional rollercoaster of a journey, creating sounds that twist jazz, rock, dance and classical themes with skill and unbridled energy.  And with Cowley’s marvellously English wit, mischievous humour and remarkable rapport with his audience, this makes for an utterly compelling experience not to be missed.

In celebration, the Neil Cowley Trio’s current album, Radio Silence will be released on limited edition 180gm vinyl and contain the heart-wrenching ballad, Box Lily.  Described by The Independent as ““lyrical, angular seismic, elegiac ….  with sonic peaks that elevate it towards greatness”, and by the Times as “jazz for people who don’t think they like jazz”, the album’s expansive anthems, sometimes complex melodies, are as gripping as the very best in contemporary music.

Radio Silence is out now on Naim Jazz.