The Alister Spence Trio - Flux

Three years in the making, Flux (Rufus) is the latest offering by the Alistair Spence Trio (following their debut recording Three’s A Circle) and delivers a naturalness and honesty so often lacking in today’s jazz recordings.

Unhurried and poignant in its delivery, this performance has the hallmark of artists who, through years of study and unfailing commitment to their craft, have arrived at a point where they can communicate confidently and succinctly without hindrance from things such as technique and a desire to impress.

Yet impress this album does, from the tender piano introduction on the opening track Hiatus, to the spirited vamp based On Impulse, to Spence’s immaculate technique at tempo, there is a subtle urgency in this recording which imparts to us, a sense of the important things in life. It does this in a way that only music can, by transcending the senses and reaching us emotionally.

Also noteworthy is the sound quality of this recording. From the opening luscious chord, it allows us to enjoy the wonderful tonality of Swanton’s contrabass and experience the diversity of Hall’s superb cymbal work. Wonderfully recorded by Ross A’Hern, Flux also gives us an opportunity to hear the full impact of a piano of the highest quality: Ron Overs’ Piano 225. Spence sounds totally at ease on this instrument, a testament to the both the quality of the piano and to Spence’s unfailing musicality.