Steve Plews Trio - Secret Spaces Volume 2

Pianist Steve Plews returns to the trio format to continue the ideas he first explored in 'Secret Spaces' - mixing the twin strands of his musical background; contemporary jazz and classical. Plews is influenced by many pianists, in particular Jaki Byard, Andrew Hill, Bill Evans and Errol Garner. On the classical side his early training in the works of Debussy and Shostakovich is evident. The CD features rising double bass star Gavin Barass and drummer Michael Gilbourne.

The chamber style jazz on this album is both composed and improvised; a concert feeling of stillness is evident whilst still retaining a bluesy club feel. On the one hand the ghost of Miles creates an ethereal soundscape that is every now and then augmented by a Bartokian percussiveness or a rhapsodic interlude inspired by Debussy or Evans.

Steve Plews has released four well-received CDs under his own name and contributed to three compilations of contemporary British music. As well as his skills as a composer he is a champion of new music. He set up his studio and label ASC Records to promote artists in the fields of contemporary classical and jazz; the distinguished roster has included award winning CDs by Mike Westbrook, Keith Tippett, John McCabe, the Northern Chamber Orchestra and Alan Barnes.

Personnel: Steve Plews (piano, organ, keyboards), Gavin Barass (double bass, bass guitar), Michael Gilbourne (drums) guests: Andy Long (violin), Liz Robinson (French horn)