Phil Robson
Impish
BDV 2235

Lapdog
Iris
Wandy's Place (For Hector)
Gone Fishing
Reptilian
Impish
Chomping
You Draw the Line
Bug Eyes

(all compositions by Phil Robson)

Phil Robson: guitar; Dave Whitford - bass; Asaf Sirkis - drums; Special guest: John Taylor - piano

'One of the crop of young UK guitarists who combine the technical expertise of classic beboppers such as Wes Montgomery and Kenny Burrell with the bite and muscle of a post-funk generation raised on Hendrix, Scofield and Metheny. He has a varied repertoire of multicultural materials far more deeply rooted in Britain than Philadelphia or New York. Robson's prospects as a composer are fast catching up with his improvisational skills.' (John Fordham, Guardian, 29 April 2002)

'A fine guitar trio set' (Guardian, 10 May 2002)

Much of the focus of Phil's work until now has been either as co-leader of Partisans or where he is as much composer as performer, such as with his octet or with Christine Tobin. He started working with his trio in 2001 show his writing and playing skills in a more intimate context. This recording was made in September 2001, and John Taylor, a big fan of Phil's playing when he heard him with Partisans earlier that year (in Finland!), is on 4 tracks. (In fact, he was originally only planning to be on three, but enjoyed the session so much that he wanted to do more.)

Born in Derby in 1970 he had already enjoyed an exciting career from the age of 14 onwards playing in his home town with such visiting musicians as John Etheridge and Bheki Mseleku as well as with his clarinettist father, Trevor Robson. Moving to London at the age of 18, he attended the Guildhall School of Music being one of the youngest students ever to do the jazz course. Awards include the prestigious BT 'Best soloist of the Year' award presented by John Dankworth, the Perrier Young Jazz award for the best instumentalist in 1998 and a commissions for his octet from Birmingham Jazz and Derby Jazz. In 1998 the British Council sponsored a week of gigs with his own trio in South Africa. He has also recently been to Syria, Yemen and Sudan with Christine Tobin. Phil will be recording a follow up to 'Impish' in September with leading NY musicians drummer Billy Hart and bassist James Genus and guest pianist Marc Copland.

Dave Whitford is one of the new rising stars of British bass playing. He currently plays with Richard Fairhurst, Hans Koller.

Asaf Sirkis has made waves as a drummer since arriving from Israel three years ago. Perhaps best known for his work with Gilad Atzmon, he is at ease in the free scene, and has also been working regularly with Christine Tobin. His own new trio Inner Voice includes Steve Lodder on church organ and Mike Outram on guitar.