Troyka: Moxxy

Tryoka (trio)

Moxxy (Editions; 2012)

Kit Downes (organ)

Chris Montague (guitar)

Joshua Blackmore (drums)

There's a rock element that is enveloping British jazz at the moment. And that's actually a good thing. A new generation of musicians raised on a number of different forms are incorporating those themes into a fusion that is both adventurous and unique.


Troyka is one of those few of hybrid groups and they have delivered their second release, the intoxicating Moxxy.

Moxxy, is a mature sophomore effort from the UK trio. As with their debut, the rocking combustible time signatures are still there but now a sense of complete confidence arises within each piece. "Rarebit" bounces with electric funk and curling rhythmic structures creating a young Weather Report or King Crimson vibe across the top of the chords.

"Crawler," a beautiful slow moving blues piece is one of the highlights of the album. It plods along like being stuck in a recurring childhood fairytale with no end. Montague and Blackmore set the tone. Montague has some fantastic lines that are passionate and wrenching. Blackmore and Downes drag you along into the final passages where Montague finally lets loose with some licks that would be right home in a Chicago blues club.

"Island" and "Zebra" are both gentle, funky and cerebral. Both are raw with soft psychedelic touches of Downes' keys which on "Island" provides an other-worldly quality. And on "Zebra," the motif is more organic and a fluctuating level of funk. This is a sound that could sit neatly next John Scofield or Charlie Hunter. The sound gets big and gargantuan but maintains a clear focus that never allows the listener's ears to stray.

Troyka seems to have found their voice with Moxxy. The group has been playing together off and on since 2007 but this is the first time you feel that have captured what they really wanted to say. Moxxy is real gem for 2012. Highly Recommended.

Phronesis: Walking Dark

Phronesis (trio)

Walking Dark (Editions Records; 2012)

Jasper Hoiby (bass)

Anton Eger (drums)

Ivo Neame (piano)

The blistering rise of Phronesis over the last few years is astounding and well justified. The trio along with the Neil Cowley Trio and Kit Downes Trio have been one of leading lights of the modern British jazz scene. Their counterparts Polar Bear, Get The Blessing and Led Bib take a more avant garde approach but Phronesis have set out in more contemporary fashion and developed into a tight knit outfit that delivers a solid statement each time out.

Their latest, Walking Dark stands as another important piece in the work of a trio that is ready for the next level recognition. "Democracy" spells it out for this dynamic trio. Neame's playing is nimble, playful and wrapped in crisp precision. Hoiby's bass fills the room with a warm resonance that holds the listen tight to attention. The drums are soft and Eger compliments his bandmates supreme agility. "Charm Defensive" is an introspective piece that is calm and revolves around the subtle notes of Neame and bold hues brilliantly executed by Hoiby.

"The Economist" is slightly more uptempo with some propulsive beats and rhythms constructed by Neame and Eger. The pace is strong with intense velocity. The pieces change pace and timing quickly but it's never jarring. There are complicated notes throughout "The Economist" but Hoiby and his mates project a flexibility to the number that you glide perfectly through it. "Eight Hours", which originally appeared on the live album, Alive, solemnly closes the album with joyful melancholia that has a lovely breath and depth that feel more in the studio than from it's predecessor.

Walking Dark is again another step in the right direction for Phronesis. They have already separated themselves from the pact; but hopefully this is the record that capitalizes on what many of us already know. Phronesis are a one of best bands in England. And deserves your undivided attention.