Physics of The Piano

The Goldilocks Zone is an area of space in which a planet, like our own Earth, is perfectly distanced from its sun. The planet’s surface is neither too hot nor too cold (like baby bear’s porridge in the fairy tale). Conditions are just right so that liquid water remains on the surface of the planet without freezing or evaporating out into space. Life can form and flourish. Olga Konkova sees this as metaphor and as symbol: “It’s a place in the human soul where beautiful thoughts are born and nourished”.

The Malcolm Campbell Trio is a young, vibrant group that is keeping the tradition of acoustic jazz alive while staying in touch with the spirit of their generation. Consisting of rising stars, Malcolm on piano, Zwelakhe-Duma Bell Pere on Bass and Charles Burchell on drums. Its sound has been described as “powerful, energetic and passionate” and draws from influences as diverse as Ahmad Jamal, J Dilla and Jason Moran.

Kasra Faridi delved into a composition that emerged from months of immersive research into the sound of recursive functions, a deeply mathematical endeavor. Faridi delved into programming using C and Csound languages, crafting a sonic landscape that intertwines the realms of mathematics and music. As a pianist immersed in the classical repertoire, Kasra encounters counterpoint daily, with the works of Bach serving as a constant source of inspiration. Reflecting on the origins of musical expression, Faridi draw parallels between the concept of counterpoint and the primal echoes of sound reverberating within a cave, evoking a sense of ancient musical discovery. The use of the recorder, the oldest known instrument dating back 24,000 years, further enriches the sonic narrative, with its delayed and evolving sounds mirroring the gradual evolution of human understanding and civilization.

Quinsin Nachoff's Flux communicates an extraordinarily colourful palette of conceptual reasoning and musical expression in the effulgent release, 'Path of Totality'. Featuring saxophonist David Binney, pianist/keyboardist Matt Mitchell, drummers Kenny Wollesen and Nate Wood, plus a clutch of guest artists.