Treehouse

Tom Hewson, a young English pianist, on his debut album on the Roman label presents his “Treehouse” project with an exceptionally unique ensemble, featuring Lewis Wright on vibraphone and Calum Gourlay on double bass.  This trio has already proven itself in live performances at various British clubs and has finally released its first CD. John Taylor, a fellow countryman, as well as a fellow pianist and distinguished predecessor on CAM JAZZ roster, labelled Hewson’s playing style as “ravishing and daring”, and also called him a “sublime composer”.

A CD that is definitely jazz, yet the kind of modern jazz that is able to reach everybody and has assimilated many other languages. It consists of enlightened, full-fledged, suggestive, well-structured pieces, not a simple task or, at least, not obvious, if one considers the unusual, unique trio Hewson has assembled. Thus, from the opening track, “Sparticle”, to the closing one, “Beanie’s Bounce”, a wide range of moods is delivered, with stunning solos flowing in the moment and excellent interplay.  Hewson has the leading role, having written most of the songs here. Wright’s contribution includes “Lifting”, a less-than-a-minute, improvised nugget, and splendid “Silver Strands”, while Gourlay composed “Lingering”, a short, solo experiment for double bass.

All original compositions.

Recorded in Oxford (U.K.) on 31 May 2013 at Jacqueline du Pré Music Building Recording engineer Josh Kemp

Liner notes by Federico Scoppio