Rule Of Three [180 Gram], Qow Trio, Vinyl

With 'The Rule of Three', the unique generation-spanning entity that is QOW TRIO are back with a barnstorming third album. Building logically on the natural development of their two previous collections, this time the fearless threesome can be heard roaming further than ever before into the uncharted hinterlands where the deep jazz tradition of the classic tenor trio format, laden with melody and swing, ventures into the untamed regions of free improvisation.At the heart of the band is the unmistakable beat of drummer Spike Wells, who this year celebrates his 80th birthday and the 65th year of his extraordinary career at the forefront of jazz in the UK, providing the driving force behind everyone from homegrown heroes Tubby Hayes to Bobby Wellins to visitors like Stan Getz and Roland Kirk and countless others. Riding at his side to represent the current London-based millennial cohort is saxophonist Riley Stone Lonergan, whose intriguing compositions and boundless creative imagination as an improvisor continue to add to his burgeoning reputation. Representing the diversity of tastes and interests and uncompromising creative stance typical of Gen X, big-toned bassist Eddie Myer rounds up the posse.From Ayler to Strayhorn, from be-bop to calypso, from cowboy movie to free-jazz shootout, there's a surprise at every turn, but always delivered with total sincerity and conviction and a driving desire to bring the audience with them every step of the way