SIMCOCK, GARLAND, SIRKIS - LIGHTHOUSE

Celebrating their signing to the prestigious German label ACT, the hugely successful Lighthouse are back with their original personnel after two years working on other projects.. The newly invigorated trio punch deep into exciting groove-based tunes inspired Celtic rhythms and an eclectic mix of Chick Corea, Bill Bruford, Yellowjackets, John Coltrane, and DJ Carl Cox.  Grammy winner Tim Garland and Barclaycard Mercury nominated pianist Gwilym Simcock are two of the most outstanding composers of our time in both jazz and classical genres and are regarded as among the very best in the world on their respective instruments. With Asaf Sirkis playing a custom built percussion set of frame drums, bass Udu, Hang drum and more Lighthouse exude a very special energy and excitement in performance. ALBUM OUT IN MARCH 2012

LIBRA

This double CD was recorded in both studio and live settings, and comprises music for his award-winning Lighthouse Trio, featuring pianist Gwilym Simcock and percussionist Asaf Sirkis, as well as Frontier, a suite with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Frontier is all about balance, a recurring theme in Tim's writing - the dynamic balance between the written and the improvised, the intimate and the panoramic, one's immediate space and the vastness occupied by the orchestral swell. The two discs give room for the trio to demonstrate its breadth of repertoire, from Tim's celebrated composing style to classics by Mingus and Miles. US guitarist Paul Bollenback adds a steel string bluesy edge to three tracks.

Garland is widely known as one of the UK's most successful musical exports working in jazz. Much of his output reflects interests beyond conventional jazz boundaries and he is increasingly acknowledged for large ensemble writing including many orchestral pieces, works for chamber ensembles, choirs, and of course many commissions from jazz ensembles of all kinds. He first made international waves touring as part of Chick Corea's Origin band, and he has orchestrated five of Chick's best-loved pieces for 'The New Crystal Silence' album. Garland was also featured with Bill Bruford's Earthworks for over four years and has an ongoing commitment with the award-winning ensemble, Acoustic Triangle, as well as The Lighthouse Trio.

IF THE SEA REPLIED

Lighthouse Trio: Tim Garland - (soprano & tenor saxophones, bass clarinet, bass flute), Gwilym Simcock - (piano), Asaf Sirkis - (percussion set, hang drum, udu and frame drums) with Paul Bollenback - (guitars), Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (CD1 tracks 4,5,6,7)

Just a quick glance at the critical responses garnered for Garland's previous Sirocco recordings is enough to establish that his is a truly amazing talent. And it's not just Tim's own recordings that attract the plaudits. Chick Corea, Bill Bruford, Kenny Wheeler and many others have recognised the creative possibilities he can bring to their projects.

For "If The Sea Replied" Tim has woven a rich tapestry of new and exciting material that illustrates his writing and performing skills to the max. Thrilling jazz, subtle eastern rhythms, acoustic guitar and piano solos, and, on several tracks, his powerful string arrangements for one of the leading UK orchestras - the Northern Sinfonia, interplay with his own brilliant work on tenor and soprano saxophones and bass clarinet. Hear for yourself this journey of exceptional musical exploration.