Martin Pyne’s new release, the double album Trios, focuses on his unique approach to the vibraphone. The album places his playing in the context of two contrasting trio lineups. In Vampire Coast Trio Martin is joined by one of his favourite drummers, Johnny Hunter, along with the extraordinary double bass player Michael Bardon. Together they make music with a truly transparent texture, full of both space and sonic detail together with richly lyrical melody and counterpoint. Martin says, “Michael and Johnny’s response to the material I had prepared for the session was simultaneously deeply sympathetic to my ideas and approach, and at the same time fearless in pushing the music in new directions.”

The second disc of this double album features the Chalk Horses Trio. Here Martin is joined by long time collaborator David Beebee on electric piano, continuing their exploration of the intersection of the vibes and Rhodes tonality that they began on their duo album Ripples, an intoxicating, rich sound world. In this trio lineup they are joined by the superb drummer Angus Bishop, who plays with a deep sense of groove and swing while retaining a supple flexibility - there are no rhythmic straitjackets in his playing. His ear for colour and dynamics are also a crucial part of of the sound of this group. The music here is full of atmosphere and mystery.

The album also features two solo pieces: “Cooking For One” - played on balafon and temple bowls is a tribute to Martin’s collaborators in the group Dangerous Kitchen, Stan Sulzmann and Simon Allen, where these very instruments featured extensively. “Song For Walt Dickerson” is Martin’s homage to the great US vibraphone innovator whose recordings remain a constant reference point for him. Together this is a beautifully performed collection of well considered tunes and improvisations played by five players who share a sophisticated sense of space, structure and groove.