15th April 2015: BIG NEWS: Phil Robson to release ‘The Cut Off Point’ feat: Ross Stanley and Gene Calderazzo on May 18th 2015.

The ever-searching, eclectic guitarist Phil Robson has released four contrasting solo records to date and is known throughout the world for his contribution to the long-running quartet Partisans (their release Swamp won Album Of The Year in the 2015 Parliamentary Jazz Awards in the UK where he’s based). As a sideman he’s performed with Kenny Wheeler, Mark Turner, Billy Hart, Barbara Streisand, Django Bates, Christine Tobin, among others.

Now with a recently-formed organ trio – having revealed and honed new material during their summer 2014 tour, followed by recording in the fall – Robson, Ross Stanley (Hammond organ) and Gene Calderazzo (drums) release their debut The Cut Off Point. Influenced by the jazz eminence of Pat Martino, Wes Montgomery and John McLaughlin, but also with a heavier rock-grooving predilection, this close-knit triumvirate punch their way through seven of the leader’s compositions, as well as a hustling interpretation of a number by US saxman David Liebman.

The organ trio format offers fascinating opportunities – Robson writing specifically with this in mind – affording the guitar the flexibility to carry melodies in different ways, roaming freely against the solid low voicings and varietal registrations, textures and dynamics of Stanley’s authentic Hammond. And with that unmistakable, saturated sound palette, Stanley is authoritative in the combined role he provides: a chordist, bassist and soloist dualizing improvisational diversity with the fluctuating distortion and tender shaping of Robson’s guitar. Drummer Gene Calderazzo (who shares a long association with Robson) displays a telepathic ability to respond to every rhythmic twist and turn; his shifting, chameleon-like colorizations here quite different to the density of his work with Partisans.

From the swinging ebullience of Herbie Hancock-styled ‘Thief’ to the lofty spaciality of “Astral” (dedicated to Kenny Wheeler), the mercurial moods of “Second Thoughts” to the quirky, almost ‘60s sci-fi feel of “Dimi and the Blue Men” and effervescent angularity of title track ‘The Cut Off Point‘, here is a recording that takes the organ trio format into fresh spheres, and the groove is irresistible.

Phil will be launching the CD with a UK tour starting in June (dates listed below):

For the latest updates, including how to buy tickets, click: here

Friday June 5th 2015    The Red Lion, Birmingham   8pm

Saturday June 6th 2015    The Vortex, London   8pm

Sunday June 7th 2015    Hawthorn Centre, Herts   8pm

Friday June 12th 2015    Swanage Jazz Festival   4.15pm

Images by Monika Jakubowski