Jazz breaking news: Trichotomy Bring The Gentle Noise
Thursday, February 24, 2011
To say that Trichotomy played an intimate set last night at The Cross in Moseley would be an understatement, but those who did attend saw the closest thing to a private performance one could get from this rising Australian trio.
The tribute gig to drummer Tony Levin at the Rainbow was organised on the same night as Trichotomy’s date in Birmingham, so the band started earlier to accommodate this. Consequently many missed the two opening cuts including ‘Chase’, probably the most well known tune in their repertoire thanks to a humorous video shot for it. The band had a different sound, notably due to pianist Sean Foran using a Rhodes, which left some of the balladry cold but added a further dimension to the harder material. The Bad Plus-sounding ‘Shut Up’ and the closing ‘Sync’ were definite highlights with Foran utilising effects which had more than a hint of EST about it.
The band took their set mainly from new album The Gentle War, playing all bar one track, but also a couple from 2010’s Variations – opener ‘Start’ setting the tone nicely with Foran’s gentle pulse on the Rhodes keeping the ballad in check. John Parker’s wonderfully innovative drumming, dismantling his kit when appropriate, served the pieces well, especially on Gentle War’s title track, aided by a fitful yet melodic solo from bassist Pat Marchisella. With two well-received albums in the bank, Trichotomy are making a case for doing what Phronesis did last year – they certainly have the melodicism and musicianship in spades. Having completed this short UK tour the band will head back to Australia, for which Foran is already composing new material. Watch this space.
– James Bourne