Nick Haywood Trio - Many Rivers (JazzHead 232)

Historical article recovered from a Wayback capture dated 2018-02-24.

The art of the piano trio is difficult to master yet three players trying to find a language together have given it a unique expression. Nick Haywood Trio’s latest release, taking simple themes and allowing complexity to unfold as a collective process, is the precise application of a creative skill. Featured are some original tunes alongside some unexpected selections, Stevie Nicks’ Landslide,The Moody Blues’ Nights In White Satin, and Farewell Dearest Nancy, a Scottish traditional tune that rarely gets an outing on a jazz recording. Added to these are two improvisations by the trio,Wiggy Blues and Fox Hat, which explore uncharted territories. Certainly, the near symbiotic relationship that this trio has built up over time makes the freewheeling feeling jazz come ever so easy. The country/gospel feel of Jimmy Cliffs’ Many Rivers To Cross, a stirring ballad of hope and aspirations which is executed superbly by Colin Hopkins on piano, is a highlight of the album. Song of The Survivor, an original composition also from Hopkins, is a standout.This album, created by three masters of the form, is a shining example of the superb and world class talent we have in this country

Barry O’Sullivan