James Mainwaring: Sax
Luke Reddin- Williams: Drums
Chris Sharkey: Bass, Electronics
Returning to the Vortex where they sold out their last 2 shows, are Leeds based, Mercury Prize nominees Roller Trio. A unique trio, their sound is dark, modern and gritty, pushing sonic boundaries to their limits. Switching the feel of a tune in a heartbeat from edgy improv to anthemic power riffs to reverb-swamped note storms, Roller Trio are both powerful and progressive. For this album, the new line-up welcomes Chris Sharkey, a guitarist at the cutting-edge of contemporary guitar improv, alongside James Mainwaring, saxophone & electronics and Luke Reddin-Williams, drums. Their mix of high octane technicality and deceptively catchy tunes has transcended their Jazz heritage, bringing them acclaim from fans and critics alike. Their eponymous debut album was nominated for the 2012 Mercury Prize and the band were also nominated for MOBO’s Best Jazz Act that same year. The new album’s theme is as relevant as it could be in today’s social climate. New Devices reflects people’s confused relationship with technology and the public participation in self-surveillance.
“Something fresh from Roller Trio…electronics is now part of the arsenal of the band and they get creative with it…on the anthem track Mad Dryad.” Julian Joseph BBC RADIO 3
” this third Roller album demonstrates moments of captivating dynamism and haunting beauty…such an innovative and iconoclastic band…” ALL ABOUT JAZZ
“New Devices” lives up to its name with the members of Roller Trio embracing technology to expand the group’s sound, and doing so imaginatively and intelligently.” THE JAZZMANN