Duos for Trio

Martin Speake, Matthew Forbes, and Phelan Burgoyne team up in "Duos For Trio" to tackle the music of Bela Bartok in a refreshingly quirky and dynamic way. The trio's ability to take classical compositions and infuse them with a modern jazz sensibility is nothing short of genius. From the opening track, "Mikrokosmos #78," it's clear that these musicians are not content to simply play the notes on the page. Speake's saxophone dances effortlessly around Forbes' bass lines, while Burgoyne's drumming adds a sense of urgency and drive to each piece. Tracks like "Sonatina" and "Fifteen Hungarian Peasant Songs" showcase the trio's ability to seamlessly blend classical and jazz influences, creating a sound that is at once familiar and wholly original. Speake's inventive phrasing and Forbes' rich, velvety tones combine to create a sonic landscape that is both challenging and rewarding for the listener. The real standout on this album, however, is the trio's interpretation of Bartok's "Contrasts." Speake's blistering saxophone solos are a highlight, as are Forbes' nimble bass lines and Burgoyne's propulsive drumming. The trio's chemistry is palpable throughout, making for a truly engaging and exhilarating listening experience. In conclusion, "Duos For Trio" is a must-listen for fans of both classical and jazz music. Speake, Forbes, and Burgoyne have crafted a truly unique and innovative album that pays homage to Bartok's original compositions while pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of jazz.