Album Notes

Tournesol “sunflower”

When three of biggest driving forces on the London scene get together to play, you know it’s going to be great; but when they come together for an intensive recording session, of original music, jazz history is made.

This drumless trio, consisting of alto saxophone (Seb Pipe), piano (Will Butterworth) and double bass (Marcus Penrose), has produced an album of incredible depth and delicate beauty. All three players have contributed their own compositions and brought them together in to a coherent and indulgent album, representative of the vibrant British jazz scene.

Seb Pipe is at the top of his game, with a rich modern tone and fluid melodic lines. There is also some wonderful interplay between Pipe and Butterworth, at times lending an almost classical, contrapuntal feel to the music. Penrose brings the double bass right in to the melodic mix, with some inventive and exciting solos and counter melodies, giving the whole album a sense of freedom and lightness.

Seb Pipe

Pipe takes time out from his “Life Experience” band, to explore the freeness of this drumless trio.

“The talented young altoist Pipe has the kind of self-assured confidence of an emerging star, but the good sense to simply play how he wants to play. Pipe’s flawless technique and witty ideas make him one to watch.” - Jazzwise Magazine

"Pipe’s serpentine melodic fluency, improv resourcefulness and controlled freedom with pitch all confirm that the early accolades he has received were well deserved..” - John Fordham (The Guardian)

"I'm impressed, this is good stuff...it’s deep" - Jack Massarik (BBC Radio 3 Jazz Line-Up)

“Seb is pushing the boundaries and experimenting with some very innovative concepts…it is individuals like him who move the art form forward.” - Jean Toussaint


Marcus Penrose

"Solid and inventive bass player" – Chris Parker, The Vortex

"He weighs in with a series of excellent bass solos" – Ian Mann (the jazz Mann)

Resent collaborations with: Phil Robson, Jeff Williams, Bill Bruford and Asaf Sirkis

Will Butterworth

"Precociously talented, young modern jazz pianist plays with spacious and fractious beauty" - Time Out

“A really exciting musical prospect, Will Butterworth is unquestionably in the vanguard of UK modern jazz performers.” - “One of the most talented young players on the scene." - Steve Ruby, London's 606 Club

"His two handed approach produces prodigious left hand rhythms in a stunning display of virtuosity.” “Butterworth is an exciting new discovery." - Ian Mann (the Jazz Mann)