ENTROPI
Formed in 2010 by Dee Byrne while she was studying on the postgraduate programme at Trinity Laban, Entropi started out as a vehicle for exploring composition and improvisation in a group context. Dee’s compositions explore a narrative of life-pondering, risk-taking and space gazing. Juggling order and chaos, composition and improvisation, the group takes listeners on a journey of compelling group interplay, strong themes, open-ended improvisation, dark grooves and interweaving melodic textures.
The ensemble features, alongside alto saxophonist Dee, the melodic improvising and clear tone of trumpeter Andre Canniere. Keyboardist Rebecca Nash offers an appropriately responsive and interactive approach whilst drummer Matt Fisher offers a malleability and versatility drawn from his wide experience in a range of different musical contexts. Bassist Olie Brice is well suited to this improvising environment, offering depth and spontaneity. Having performed live together for some time, the band has achieved a striking empathy and freedom to take risks.
‘Interesting, stimulating music that is quite hard to pigeonhole gripped by a strong group instinct that moves from hard bop and structured modal sounds into more improv-soaked free-bop.’ Marlbank
I often deliberately avoid choosing repertoire for a gig until the last moment, often writing new tunes in the days leading up to a performance, or taking ideas from whatever I happen to be listening to at the time. Whatever we choose to play on this occasion the emphasis will be on improvising, communicating, listening and exploring together.’