Thymos [CD]

Thymos' is the ambitious debut solo album from double bassist and composer Matt Ridley, a London-based musician who is known as one of the prominent talents of his generation. It features saxophonist Jason Yarde, oud player Attab Haddad and percussionist Vasilis Sirikis.

On 'Tymos' Ridley has successfully fused the modal and rhythmic elements of Middle Eastern music with the harmonic complexities of jazz. Other influences evident on the seven original compositions, the Sabrina Rakcheyeva composition "Hijaz" and the traditional song "Sari Gelin", are as diverse as funk, contemporary jazz inspired by both the London and NYC scenes, composers Kenny Wheeler and Vijay Iyer, as well as 20th century minimalism.

The core of the album is the tight unit that is the Matt Ridley Trio. Comprised of the award-winning pianist John Turville, the highly musical (not to mention fiercely virtuosic) drumming talents of George Hart, and Ridley at the helm, the trio soars through the leaders' genre-bending improvisational territory with wit and aplomb.

Personnel: Matt Ridley (double bass), John Turville (piano), George Hart (drums), with: Jason Yarde (saxophone), Attab Haddad (oud), Vasilis Sirikis (percussion)

"Ridley's own writing draws on modal jazz, minimalist composers, Middle Eastern melodies and free improvisation. He's an imaginative soloist who also roots the band with strength and simplicity." - London Jazz News