UK saxophonist and composer Trish Clowes presents A View with A Room, the fourth release by her acclaimed band My Iris, an intense and thrilling quartet that represents the front rank of the contemporary UK jazz scene.

Released on April 22, 2022.

A View with a Room is the fourth release by saxophonist and composer Trish Clowes and her acclaimed band My Iris, an intense and thrilling quartet that represents the front rank of the contemporary UK jazz scene. Lauded for her imaginative approach to improvisation and composition, Clowes provides her bandmates Ross Stanley (piano/Hammond organ), Chris Montague (guitar) and James Maddren (drums) with a unique platform for individual expression, delivering driving grooves and lingering melodic lines, seamlessly morphing between earthy restlessness and futuristic dreamscapes.

Most of the repertoire came together during the pandemic for various livestream events, Clowes writing a new tune for each precious playing opportunity. Many of the tracks make direct reference to issues created and exacerbated by the global pandemic, commenting on personal loss and creativity as solace, the climate crisis, and the ever-growing migrant crisis. The title track suggests a surreal, and yet strangely relatable concept, forced upon much of the world during these deeply isolating times. “The Ness” is inspired by sounds and images from a Scottish coastline by filmmaker / collaborator Rose Hendry. “Amber” is for Amber Bauer, CEO of Donate4Refugees (a charity Clowes is an ambassador for), reflecting her energy and dynamism. “Ayana” is dedicated to Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, an inspiring writer, marine biologist and policy expert, who speaks clearly and positively on the issues of climate change. Creative music for and of our times.

Liner Notes

A few important things to know about some of the music… ‘The Ness’ was written in response to images and sounds captured by film-maker Rose Hendry along the East Neuk of Fife coastline in Scotland. ‘Amber’ is for Amber Bauer, CEO of Donate4Refugees (a charity I am an ambassador for). ‘Ayana’ is dedicated to Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, an inspiring writer, marine biologist and policy expert, who speaks clearly and positively on the issues of climate change.

Huge thanks to Dave Douglas and Greenleaf Music for supporting this music so sincerely; to my amazing bandmates Ross, Chris and James; to legends Darren and Luke at Livingston; to Rose for being Rose; and to my husband Chris Kelly for presenting our sounds so beautifully.

Also massive thanks to everyone who has supported my music over the past two years, through extraordinarily challenging times – you have contributed to the making of this album, and the optimism I hope it carries! Some people really went above and beyond, and it will never be forgotten.

– Trish Clowes

Track Details

1. A View with a Room
2. The Ness
3. Amber
4. Morning Song
5. No Idea
6. Ayana
7. Time
8. Almost

Total time: 49:26

Personnel

MY IRIS
Trish Clowes, tenor & soprano saxophones
Chris Montague, guitar
Ross Stanley, piano, Rhodes & Hammond organ
James Maddren, drums

Production Credits

Executive Producer: Dave Douglas
Producer: MY IRIS
Recorded at Livingston Studios (Studio 1) in London, England on August 31st & September 1st, 2021
Recording engineer: Darren Jones
Assistant recording engineer: Luke Farnell
Mixing and mastering engineer: Chris Kelly
Cover Photography: Rose Hendry
Studio photography: Chris Kelly
Graphic designer: Lukas Frei

All compositions by Trish Clowes (PRS)

Trish is a Vandoren UK artist, using Vandoren reeds and ligatures

Press

“A rich mix of cinematic landscape evocation, funky guitar grooves, dreamy reveries spun off minimalist patterns and fluently uncliched improv.”
– John Fordhan, The Guardian ★★★★☆

“A beguilingly inventive mix of shadow and luminosity… its lyrical warmth tempered by certain shady spookiness.”
– Jim Gilchrist, The Scotsman ★★★★☆

“One of British jazz’s most striking groups.”
– John Bungey, London Jazz News

“With her astringent tone and flexible take on harmony she delivers stimulating explorations of pieces ranging from the bustling angularity of ‘The Ness’, via the lithe funk of ‘Amber’ top the reserved melancholy of ‘Ayana’.”
– Barry Witherden, BBC Music Magazine ★★★★☆

“A View with a Room confirms Clowes as one of the most interesting voices on the effervescent British scene, embodying its gentle and refined face.”
– Vincenzo Roggero, All About Jazz