With 'The Rule of Three', the unique generation-spanning entity that

is QOW TRIO are back with a barnstorming third album. Building

logically on the natural development of their two previous

collections, this time the fearless threesome can be heard roaming

further than ever before into the uncharted hinterlands where the

deep jazz tradition of the classic tenor trio format, laden with

melody and swing, ventures into the untamed regions of free

improvisation.

At the heart of the band is the unmistakable beat of drummer Spike

Wells, who this year celebrates his 80th birthday and the 65th year

of his extraordinary career at the forefront of jazz in the UK,

providing the driving force behind everyone from homegrown

heroes Tubby Hayes to Bobby Wellins to visitors like Stan Getz and

Roland Kirk and countless others. Riding at his side to represent the

current London-based millennial cohort is saxophonist Riley Stone Lonergan, whose intriguing compositions and boundless creative

imagination as an improvisor continue to add to his burgeoning

reputation. Representing the diversity of tastes and interests and

uncompromising creative stance typical of Gen X, big-toned bassist

Eddie Myer rounds up the posse.

From Ayler to Strayhorn, from be-bop to calypso, from cowboy

movie to free-jazz shootout, there's a surprise at every turn, but

always delivered with total sincerity and conviction and a driving

desire to bring the audience with them every step of the way