New CD release by CKW Trio on Black Hat Records

Black Hat Records is proud to announce its third release The Is (Black Hat Records BH-1003) by CKW Trio. CKW Trio's approach to acoustic postmodern jazz allows for a freedom of emotional expression. With solid grooves and explosions of energy and sound, CKW Trio's music reminds one of the music being played by Ken Vandermark and John Zorn's Masada. The instrumentation is similar to Julius Hemphill's trio; woodwinds, cello and percussion. CKW trio plays in a cutting edge jazz style making use of modern forms like circle music and experiments with time and rhythm. They use various nonwestern scales and sounds as central points for launching into improvisations. This adventure in jazz is created by the unique ideas of the members of the group.

Classically trained cellist and composer Alex Kelly has an eclectic background that involves both free-improvisation and circus music. Drummer Andrew Wilshusen comes from the domain of “jazz," but is always exploring new paths and beats in music. I find myself somewhat of a bridge between the two, with a background performing in both classical symphonies and jazz groups. It is my great pleasure to make music with both of them.

Like our other titles, Statements and Searching, The Is explores new paths and combinations of styles and ideas that create our music. Our titles are now distributed by North Country Distribution, Cadence Building, Redwood, New York 13679. For more information and audio samples please visit Black Hat Records (www.blackhatrecords.com). We hope you will enjoy our new release.