Review

Neil Cowley Trio: Face Of Mount Mole Hill (Naim Jazz)

Following on from their critically acclaimed 2010 release "Radio Silence," the Neil Cowley Trio have come up with their second offspring - the (curiously named) "Face Of Mount Mole Hill." So despite sounding like a title from an over pompous Jazz Rock outfit, what's on Offer?

Well, the boldness, brashness and penchant for great swathes of sound continues never more so than in track two "Rooster Was A Witness." Churning piano and a beautiful string quartet floating over this cracking and luxuriant soundscape roller coaster of a tune. Pro-pulsed by the tribal like drumming of Evan Jenkins, who is always Cowley's worthy adversary, the manic energy continues with "Fable" - discordant and melodic at the same time! Again a chugging slice classic Cowley!

The strings (and how lush they are) return on "Meyer." A beautiful piano pace that soars and sweeps majestically and spring like in it's ethereal evocation and "Skies Are Rare" has that haunting quality too. This is music to just switch off and let it bathe over you, clear the clutter from your brain and allow yourself a musical meditation. However, you may be jolted out of the stillness rather too soon by "Mini Ha Ha." The sampled rhythmic baby laughing goes on a tad too long, but breaks like dawn into some spacious quiet as the exquisite double bass comes into its own.

The pneumatic title track "The Face Of Mount Molehill" driven by Jenkins metronomic, almost robotic drums, builds like a storm and the thunder of Cowley's piano. This will remain in your head long after the track has finished! All in all the trio have done it again. Once more a seismic shift has happened, the strings and sound collage guitar just keep the ante going up and up. Stupendous!
Words Emrys Baird