Escape Hatch - Roots of Unity (2016)

A piano trio who have been honing and roadworking their craft over the past few years, Escape Hatch now release their debut album 'Roots of Unity' on Whirlwind. A collaborative concept birthed by Milan-born double bassist Andrea Di Biase and British pianist Ivo Neame, the line-up is completed by London-based drummer Dave Hamblett, and augmented by guest saxophonist Julian Argüelles.

Echoing Escape Hatch's creative bond, as well as offering a defiant response to current political divisiveness by reaffirming what we share as human beings, Roots of Unity also strongly reflects Di Biase's interest in mathematical concepts in relation to music - specifically, the strength in a complex number being derived from the figure 'one'.

But whatever connection is made, this is an album whose integrity and finesse shine out, the bustling energy of ten-minute 'Hysterical Revisionism' also revealing the band's openness through Di Biase's sonorous perambulations and Neame's pianistic impressionism. Arguelles' authoritative invention is present in four tracks, swelling such buoyant outings as 'La Strega' and 'Moon Bathing'; and 'Today, Tomorrow, Never's' questioning demeanor (a poignant commentary on migrants' struggles for a better life) becomes enhanced by the tenorist's characteristically mellifluous delivery.

As an album, 'Roots of Unity' possesses a conventional piano trio immediacy, with an enriching saxophonic fluidity - yet it has also been purposefully conceived, with artisan-like ingenuity. Andrea Di Biase confirms what it means to finally divulge their work: "As musicians, we have matured together over the years, so now feel ready - and are excited - to present it to a wider audience."