In-House Science

Norwegian master bassist Arild Andersen's trio with big-toned tenorist Tommy Smith and powerhouse drummer Paolo Vinaccia is one of the most viscerally exciting jazz small groups of the present moment.

Its energies are arguably best captured in a live context, and here the three musicians deliver a characteristically smoking performance at the Villa Rothstein in Bad Ischl, Austria, recorded in September 2016. Their earlier concert recording 'Live At Belleville', was issued a decade ago to rave reviews and a shower of awards. "Absolutely and unreservedly marvellous" said BBC Music Magazine. "How often do just three musicians produce music as vast and panoramic in its scale and vision?" asked Jazzwise, amazed.

In recent interviews, Andersen has reflected on the group's work method. "In the trio everyone is equal. Tommy might play the melody instrument, but he can also be an accompanist, and Paolo and I are the rhythm section but either us can also be the lead voice… We are all soloists or rhythm section, the three of us simultaneously. It's all to do with interplay, and as a trio we have developed quite a chemistry. Tommy is very good at listening to the bass and drums when he plays solo, and he leaves spaces for us to come up front again." This is evident throughout this programme of Andersen compositions.

Personnel: Arild Andersen (double bass), Paolo Vinaccia (drums), Tommy Smith (tenor saxophone)