The Trio brings together three esteemed performers and distinct voices on the jazz and improv scene together as one entity: Tori Handsley (electric harp), Rowland Sutherland (flutes), Emi Watanabe (traditional Japanese flutes). Combining hypnotic bass lines and melodies, erupting into free ethereal passages and unknown places. The trio merges harp and flute in a new dynamic way, contrary to one might initially expect from this combination of instruments.
The trio has performed at the Queen Elizabeth Hall as part of the Meltdown festival 2014.
Tori Handsley started playing the piano at the age of 3 and the harp at the age of 6. Originally classically trained, she grew up listening to the music of Miles Davis, Bird, Dizzy, Keith Jarrett and many more, and was drawn to the freedom of jazz and improvisation. One of the highlights of her career was touring with her childhood hero Nigel Kennedy in 2010, after being invited to be a part of his band for his Duke Ellington tour. Tori has since performed with other notable artists including: Orphy Robinson, Cleveland Watkiss, Pat Thomas, Claude Deppa, Shabaka Hutchings, Doug Boyle & Adam Waldmann and more.
Rowland Sutherland enjoys an international career in many dif- ferent fields of music. He regularly performs and guests in new music ensembles, jazz bands, improvised music groups, symphony orchestras, various non-Western groups, pop outfits and as a soloist. Many of Rowland’s solo con- temporary flute performances have been broadcast on BBC Radio. He has composed and arranged music for bands, ensembles and the BBC.Jazz, Improv and World Music artists Rowland has performed with include such international artists as Frank Wess, David Murray, Flora Purim, Henry Threadgil, Carla Bley, Manu Dibango, Airto, Joyce, Evan Parker and many more.
Emi Watanabe was born in Japan where she trained in traditional flutes. Emi plays three different types of flutes – Ryuteki, Nohkan and Shinobue. She has been invited to play with numerous different musicians since she moved to the UK in 1995, these include from traditional settings to maverick performers such as Jah Wobble.
InSoundOut 