TRIO
Glenn Doig Trio
Earshift Music
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Sydney-based pianist and composer Glenn Doig began his musical journey on the keys then progressing to the trombone, until jazz educator Mike Nock heard him play the piano at the Conservatorium of New South Wales where he was studying at the time and suggested that he concentrate his studies on pianoforte.
His debut trio recording represents two decades of composing, featuring eight originals from various stages of his musical journey. Consisting of music that explores close-knit moods, where jazz tradition seamlessly merges with contemporary sounds, Doig and his ‘dream team’ trio colleagues, Brett Hirst (bass) and Simon Barker (drums) bring their collective histories and individual powers to the fore on all of the pianist compositions, to create music that is both compelling and enjoyable from start to finish, sounding like they’ve been recording together for twenty years, not debuting.
My favourite tracks, Undignified and Twilight, represent the beating heart of this music and the trio, with some outstanding bass soloing and plenty of subtle drum spacing. Overall, the album’s significance lies in Doig’s fascinating blend of discipline and freedom, reinforcing his status as a strong-willed artist and composer whose musicality will only deepen.