ROLLER TRIO – Fracture
LSRCD001
James Mainwaring (tenor & soprano saxophone, FX);Luke Wynter (guitar, FX, bass); Luke Reddin-Williams (drums)
Recorded, no date given
After their surprise Mercury award nomination, and no-one was more shocked than the trio themselves, in 2012 after the release of their eponymous debut album Roller Trio have gone from strength to strength. An extended period of gigging since the nomination, the band have been in no rush to record again, and this wise decision no to be in too much of a hurry has paid off handsomely.
The new recording features material that has been played in and bedded down, and yet still retains a freshness that is immediately appealing, in terms of catchiness of the themes, and the rhythmic variety produced from the core instrumentation.
It is the very limitations of this instrumentation that have steered the group into finding new roles within these self imposed confines, and at times taking on multiple or unexpected tasks within the structure of each individual composition.
Drummer, Reddin-Williams powers things along with power and urgency when required, but also with a great deal of restraint and precision, as is evidenced in his superbly controlled playing on ‘Tracer’. Luke Wynter’s guitar takes on duel rolls as melody instrument as well as providing rhythmic support and his duties supplying a chordal framework for Mainwaring’s saxophone forays. His tenor solos have a cogency and punch that never fail to hit home, whether using extended and false fingering techniques, or electronic manipulation of his tenor sound.
Chiming guitar chords introduce ‘Tightrope’ along with an electronic backdrop that frames some delicate percussion figures from Reddin-Williams, with Mainwaring switching to soprano saxophone that is a wonderful contrast to the frenetic ferocity of his tenor, and bring the album to a most satisfying close.
Seeking new ways to play in a trio format, Roller Trio do so in a most convincing manner, taking the legacy of the past masters to new and exciting territory, and bodes well for the development of this imaginative and creative group.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
LSRCD001
James Mainwaring (tenor & soprano saxophone, FX);Luke Wynter (guitar, FX, bass); Luke Reddin-Williams (drums)
Recorded, no date given
After their surprise Mercury award nomination, and no-one was more shocked than the trio themselves, in 2012 after the release of their eponymous debut album Roller Trio have gone from strength to strength. An extended period of gigging since the nomination, the band have been in no rush to record again, and this wise decision no to be in too much of a hurry has paid off handsomely.
The new recording features material that has been played in and bedded down, and yet still retains a freshness that is immediately appealing, in terms of catchiness of the themes, and the rhythmic variety produced from the core instrumentation.
It is the very limitations of this instrumentation that have steered the group into finding new roles within these self imposed confines, and at times taking on multiple or unexpected tasks within the structure of each individual composition.
Drummer, Reddin-Williams powers things along with power and urgency when required, but also with a great deal of restraint and precision, as is evidenced in his superbly controlled playing on ‘Tracer’. Luke Wynter’s guitar takes on duel rolls as melody instrument as well as providing rhythmic support and his duties supplying a chordal framework for Mainwaring’s saxophone forays. His tenor solos have a cogency and punch that never fail to hit home, whether using extended and false fingering techniques, or electronic manipulation of his tenor sound.
Chiming guitar chords introduce ‘Tightrope’ along with an electronic backdrop that frames some delicate percussion figures from Reddin-Williams, with Mainwaring switching to soprano saxophone that is a wonderful contrast to the frenetic ferocity of his tenor, and bring the album to a most satisfying close.
Seeking new ways to play in a trio format, Roller Trio do so in a most convincing manner, taking the legacy of the past masters to new and exciting territory, and bodes well for the development of this imaginative and creative group.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
