Music
Press
In December 2008, Loud, louder, Stop! was listed in Mojo Magazine’s 50 Best Albums of 2008,
and achieved No 1 Jazz Album in The Sunday Times.
*****
“sheer joy.. one of the freshest, most uplifting albums of the year regardless of genre. A modern classic”
Mojo
“The most exciting pianist to emerge for an age… pulsating power and beauty of a trio at full tilt”
The Independent on Sunday
“An endearing eccentricity about the music… but emotionally truthful….utterly fresh .. pugnacious and tender-hearted at once”
Jazz CD of the Week The Telegraph
“It’s piano jazz... but not as you know it. Pounding stuff, redolent of Brubeck on very bad acid”
Mojo Playlist
“Compelling… This fine album deserves all the credit it will get”
BBC Music Magazine
“powerful stuff”
Jazzwise
"The Neil Cowley Trio make the world safe for dangerous music… their tour is currently keeping piano tuners around the country in business. Check him out”
Observer Music Monthly
“Irresistibly catchy, and the group is as tight as a drumhead”
The Guardian
“There is genuine vision here”
The Sunday Times
“He can play classical. He can do dance. But when he plays jazz .. Cowley rocks … the Metallica of modern jazz… it does what is says on the tin”
The Sunday Mercury
“his time has come”
Time out
“a striking live performer whose immaculate technique, marvellously English wit and humour and rock solid sense of melody really hits home in the live setting”
Jazzwise
- various
For most rock fans jazz remains a closed shop. For those looking for a way in, however, The Neil Cowley Trio offer the perfect entrée with an album whose sonic palette draws on Radiohead at their most pernicious and Keith Jarrett’s concentrated piano pounding in equal measure. In truth, these reference points can’t convey the sheer joy that often courses through the 10 well-paced tracks. Moments of sweat-browed intensity (Kid A-infused opener, His Nibs or math-rocking Captain Backfire) are matched by light-hearted, spirited touches (the poka-skank of Ginger Sheep), and flights of neo-classical beauty (the swelling Synaesthesia Traffic). Pianist Cowley, double bassist Richard Sadler and drummer Evan Jenkins must be applauded for producing one of the freshet, most uplifting albums of the year regardless of genre. A modern classic. (Phil Alexander) - Mojo
"Jazz for people who don’t like jazz? The pianist Neil Cowley is searching for new vistas in a genre that ha overdosed on good taste and technique of its own sake. A player whose influences range from Frank Zappa to the great Ahmad Jamal, he brings a relentlessly percussive approach to the keyboard. Like the Bad Plus, he sometimes seems intent on reducing his instrument to rubble. Yet there are neat and precise melodies mixed in with the swirling ostinati. Cowley has a quirky sense of humour too: Ginger Sheep sounds like a silent-comedy score rewritten by Erik Satie. There is genuine vision here" (Clive Davis) - The Sunday Times
Discography
2006 - 'Displaced' LP
2008 - 'Loud.. Louder... Stop LP
2008 - 'His Nibs' 7" vinyl
2009 - Revolution Ep (digital only)
Photos
Bio
The Neil Cowley Trio first burst into the UK’s consciousness in 2006 with their outstanding debut album ‘Displaced’. Fizzing with the energy of rock and the surging dynamics of dance music, it placed Cowley and his trio at the forefront of the British ‘Post-Jazz’ scene.
An outstanding album of original recordings it presented Cowley as a dazzling pianist and stunning composer. Its forceful melodies, soulful moments and thrilling climaxes earned the album praise from all corners of the musical spectrum, legions of fans, and the award for Best Album at the 2007 BBC Jazz Awards.
Drawn by the trio’s finger-bleeding energy, and powerfully dynamic tunes, the trio attracted a new younger audience to the genre; those less interested in questions of “is it jazz?” than “is it any good?” But it isn’t just the so-called post-jazzers that dig Cowley’s unashamedly virtuosic music, praise comes from the highest echelons of jazz – “Captivating…impressive” claimed The Guardian, “A triumph… an absolute feast.. cried Mojo, and "Thrilling.. dynamic.. distinctive “ added Jazzwise.
‘Loud.. Louder…Stop’, the trio’s second album was released in 2008 and featured Cowley’s long-time collaborators Richard Sadler on bass and Evan Jenkins on drums. Like their debut, it is an album of massive dynamic range, contrasts, energy and wit. Yet Cowley expresses a wide gamut of emotions through his music - beautiful melodies and exquisite harmonies often underly his sensitive and romantic approach to composition.
Cowley's “mischievous humour”, “marvellously English wit”, and remarkable rapport with his audience, have helped build the trio a formidable reputation for their captivating, exciting live shows, which often attract full houses and standing ovations.
The Trio have undertaken three full UK tours, and appeared at many European jazz festivals and club dates across the continent, where their fan base continues to grow.
This summer, the trio record their third album, scheduled for release in the spring of 2010
Biographical Info
As a 10 year old child protégé, London-born Neil Cowley performed a Shostakovich piano concerto to a full house at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall. Yet, after responding to an ad in a music paper, he left his classical training behind, and went on to record and tour with some of the biggest soul and funk bands of the day. In 2002 he formed his own band, Fragile State, and produced two critically acclaimed albums that set the world of jazzy chill-out music alight.
By 2005, Cowley had begun to find the experience of extracting music from a computer chip unbearable, so with his dear friend the piano began to present creativity without technological hindrance. He eventually realised a long-standing vision, and formed his jazz trio who remain a tight touring and recording unit to this day.
In June 2006 Cowley formed his own label to release his debut, Displaced, then in April 2007, released the follow-up album, Loud..Louder…Stop! on the UK indie jazz label, Cake.
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