Mercury by Alister Spence Trio

It comprises thirteen original tracks composed by Alister and the band.

The melodies, improvisations and acoustic/sampled textures, reflect the highly individual musical journey that the trio is on and point the way to new and exciting possibilities.....

'Soothing atmospherics, flying swing, meaty grooves, free improvising and tranquil pools of lyricism all come and go, beautifully played and sensationally recorded.

The transformations are always guaranteed to draw you into their captivating musical worlds.’ Review of 'Mercury', Sydney Morning Herald, Nov 2006.

The band's two other releases are 'Flux', nominated for Best Australian Jazz Album in 2004 (‘Sydney-based pianist Alister Spence plays like a dream’ Financial Review), and 'Three is a Circle', released in Australia in 2000 and also in Japan (2003) on the Earth Spirit label.

‘It would be no exaggeration to say that Spence is fully rivalling the pianists that have brought about the present boom in piano trio music’

Swing Journal, Tokyo 2003

The three members of this band have a long history of playing together, being well known for their collaboration in the ARIA (Australian Record Industry Awards) award-winning band Clarion Fracture Zone (also winner of Five Stars in Downbeat Magazine USA for their 1993 release Zones on Parade).

They are recognised individually as leading performers and composers in contemporary original jazz music in Australia, enthralling audiences both here and around the world.

Lloyd Swanton (bass) is well know to European audiences through his band 'the Necks'

As a trio this band is noted for its engaging, strong compositions and for the synergy, interplay and energy that they have together.

As previously mentioned they have recently returned from an outstandingly successful tour of clubs and festivals in the UK and Canada in June/July 2006.

The band plans to return overseas in 2008.

Reviews from the tour were unanimously positive:

'Compelling....and harmonically inviting' Edmonton Journal, CAN July 06

'The trio's experience together is reflected in a fluency and understanding that allows them generally to change pace and develop pieces with apparent ease....Dynamic music full of incident and building an exciting momentum.' The Glasgow Herald, UK June 06

'Spence has that priceless gift of always leaving you wanting more...He is never less than absorbing.' Jazzwise Magazine, UK Nov 06

For more information on 'Mercury', photos and MP3 files go to the website:

www.alisterspence.com

info@alisterspence.com

Average Customer Review: 5