“A masterclass in tension and release where even the most reflective of songs conceal telling hooks” – (MOJO ****)
“ Stadium-sized piano riffs with delicately beautiful melodies, heart-wrenching and heart-pounding
in equal measure.” – Drowned In Sound
“This is BAD ASS” – Huey Morgan, BBC Radio 6 Music
“a smart splicing of punchy themes and chord-belting, rock-piano climaxes… it’s hard to resist its
eager warmth, and invitation to dance” – **** The Guardian
In 2017, pianist and composer Neil Cowley pressed pause. Over the course of 12 years and 6 critically lauded albums he had built an army of fans with accolades rolling in. Yet the Neil Cowley Trio went into hiatus. Embracing a new musical direction, Cowley entered into a series of collaborations incorporating electronica and neo-classical production, squeezing emotion from an armoury of synths. Success reigned.
But after 7 years of solitary music making, he has something to say. The power of technology that controls our lives is its ability to control our interactions with each other. The checking in on social media to circumnavigate the awkwardness of a moments silence, or the endless supply of studio tools to create the sonic effect of an orchestra, alone. It was time for him to return to the joy of human connection. For Cowley, there are no closer musical allies and brotherhood than his Neil Cowley Trio cohort, bassist Rex Horan and drummer Evan Jenkins.
A studio reunion was arranged, tears were shed, and Entity was born. Entity is the magnificent new recording from Neil Cowley Trio, released on 20 September. It is three friends giving their all to each other to reach one common goal, inspiring, conversing and metaphorically dancing together. “Wandering in, it felt like coming home”. ‘Entity’ is neither a return nor a departure from the Neil Cowley Trio sound. It is the Neil Cowley Trio sound, with the finger lifted from the pause button.
Neil has also released two solo albums Hall of Mirrors (2021) and Battery Life (2023), inviting fond and critical acclaim:
“A delicate show of restraint” – MOJO ★★★★
“A record that distorts, delights, and entrances” – Clash 8/10
“Stunningly beautiful. It’s a must-listen” – Louder Than War 4.5/5
“A comforting and life-affirming record of glowing beauty” – Future Music 9/10
