In the Chop House [CD]

In the Chophouse' is the debut album from Tori Freestone, a saxophonist, flautist and violinist who has been performing at the forefront of the British improvised music scene as both a side women and highly regarded bandleader for over a decade.

Her multi-faceted skills have seen her work as a core member with such diverse bands as the Ivo Neame Quintet/Octet, Compassionate Dictatorship (her own co-led group with Jez Franks), Loop Collective's Rory Simmons as well as artists such as the Cuban group Orquesta Timbala, singer Brigitte Beraha, saxophone colossus Andy Sheppard and trumpeter Neil Yates.

This wealth of experience has shaped Freestone's playing and composing and this is highly evident on her debut. A robust tenor sound, melodic invention and a balance between wit and playfulness in her original songs mark Freestone's music out, not to mention a strong willingness to blur the lines between the written and improvised. Comprised of long-time musical associates in the uber-creative drummer Tim Giles and highly original bassist Dave Manington, the trio has been developing Tori's repertoire which explores the openness that the saxophone trio allows while taking inspiration from some of the non-chordal sax-led trios of the moment.

Personnel: Tori Freestone (tenor saxophone), Dave Manington (double bass), Tim Giles (drums)