Trio HLK Bio

Trio HLK on ubuntu music

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the upcoming release of Anthropometricks, Trio HLK’s next project, on 15th March 2024. This will be the group’s second release on the Ubuntu Music record label.

The core members of the ensemble are Rich Harrold (piano), Ant Law (guitar) and Rich Kass (drums).

Trio HLK have developed a unique language, drawn from the most exciting elements of contemporary classical music and contemporary jazz. Their compositions play with perceptual ambiguities, using all kinds of rhythmic tricks and sonic illusions. Their second album, Anthropometricks, captures the evolution the Trio has undergone since the release of their debut album, Standard Time, and subsequent extensive international touring - both in the trio format and with long-time collaborator Evelyn Glennie. Anthropometricks also marks the beginning of two new exciting creative partnerships: with cellist Natalie Clein and vocalist Varijashree Venugopal.

The seven compositions on the album are grown from fragments of various jazz standards. Each piece is new but listen closely and shards of the original can be glimpsed within. Utilising the various instrumental combinations made available by the addition of the guest artists, the album presents a rich pallet of distinct sonic worlds and narrative journeys. 

As the band explains, “On ‘Anthropometricks’, we are excited to have documented the development the music has undergone since our first release - compositionally and improvisationally. We have also thrown two incredible new collaborators into the mix to see what would happen!"

Concerning their continuing relationship with Ubuntu Music, the band continues, “It's a pleasure to take another step forward in our extremely happy working relationship with Ubuntu.”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “Trio HLK is a group of truly exceptional musicians. They describe their music as littered with metric modulations and metric tricks. We call it a sonic world all its own, that navigates classical structures within jazz improvisation. When combined with the magical percussive talent of Dame Evelyn Glennie, along with special guest Natalie Clein (cello) and Varijashree Venugopal (vocals), the listener is seduced by an intoxicating audio cocktail for the mind and the spirit. We are delighted to represent this outstanding release, as Trio HLK continues to grow as part of the Ubuntu Music Family.”

TRIO HLK BIOGRAPHY

In a world which celebrates the virtuosity of the individual, HLK’s vision has been to develop their ensemble virtuosity, compelled by a unified vision. The music comprises precise notated sections, moments of conversational interaction and room for individual improvisation. It is a delicate but powerful balance. This unique, interdependent rhythmic language has required unparalleled commitment, but yielded astonishing results. The trio’s music is celebrated for being emotionally and cerebrally challenging yet accessible, captivating audiences young and old across the UK and mainland Europe.

HLK have completed their second recorded volume: Anthropometricks. Their unique musical relationship with Dame Evelyn Glennie has evolved and the results captured in five of the eight compositions on the album. Two additional artists have also been invited into the fray. British Cellist Natalie Clein’s rich tone and melodic interpretation add a wealth of texture. Varijashree Venugopal contributes a spell-binding vocal performance, including an incredible improvisation on the title track. This is due for release early 2024.

Since their first meeting on New Year’s Day in 2015, Rich Harrold, Ant Law and Rich Kass have worked tirelessly on the careful blend of ingredients which are distilled into Trio’s music. They often disassemble common jazz standards, building entirely new pieces from the motifs contained within them. Often, two or more themes are set in motion simultaneously, creating kaleidoscopic and shape-shifting sounds. The resultant harmonies and rhythms can be incredibly simple and sonorous, or fiercely complex and dissonant.

In 2016 HLK embarked upon the recording of their debut album and so began their long-term partnership with Dame Evelyn Glennie, one of the world’s greatest rhythmicists. ‘Standard Time’ was released in 2018 to great critical acclaim, followed by extensive touring. The collaboration with Evelyn brought the Trio’s music to new audiences and the music found itself being rapturously received in jazz clubs and concert halls alike. Gramophone Magazine singled out the Trio as ‘True Innovators’ whilst their debut live performance was described by Jazzwise as an “extraordinary performance that was in a class all of its own”.

Rich, Ant, Rich, Evelyn, Natalie and Varijashree look forward to performing for you soon.