A musical trio with an emphasis on joy will give a cheering performance at Bridport Arts Centre's next jazz cafe.

The Andy Nowak Trio will take to the stage on Friday, May 18 at 8pm.

Drawing on influences ranging from the hard swinging Oscar Peterson through the classical inventions of Brad Mehldau to the atmospheric ideas of E.S.T. this trio play original compositions and interpretations of standards with effervescence and flair. Playing with an emphasis on joy and risk taking, pianist Andy Nowak, drummer Steve Davis and bassist Spencer Brown weave a compelling tapestry of soundscapes and lyricism at once fresh and familiar.

Since studying with Nikki Iles and Pete Churchill, acclaimed south west-based jazz pianist Andy Nowak has played with Jocelyn Brown, Pee Wee Ellis, Fred Wesley, Art Themen, Simon Spillet, Andy Clyndert, Clare Teal and Claire Martin to name a few.

He has held jazz piano teaching positions at the prestigious Wells Cathedral School and also at Clifton College, Bristol. His piano trio recorded their debut album entitled Sorrow And The Phoenix in 2016 and launched it in 2017 in an Arts Council supported tour of the South West and London, garnering national critical acclaim for the recording and live performances.

After a successful crowdfunding campaign, Andy has just released the follow up album Reset which is currently being toured nationally in places as far flung as the Lake District and West Wales. In addition to his trio work, Andy also plays as a sideman in various South West groups including Bristol’s Neo-Soul/Hip-Hop group The Duval Project and also runs several jazz workshops including Jump Start Jazz - a Bristol based workshop aimed at getting people curious about improvisation started.

Drummer Steve Davis has played alongside such luminaries as Van Morrison, Django Bates, Evan Parker and Norma Winston. With a lean toward the freer side of jazz, Steve opens up the sound, enabling a deeper insight into Nowak’s original compositions

After completing a masters degree in jazz performance at Guildhall School of Music Spencer Brown has been working in London as a professional bass player. He has worked with many of the UK’s top jazz musicians such as Andy Sheppard, Alan Barnes, and Seb Rochford.

On May 18 in Bridport, the Andy Nowak Trio will play music from their new album Reset, a work of strikingly fresh melodic, atmospheric and creative sonority, about which top UK pianist Jason Rebello said: "Lovely compositions and inventive playing...watch out for this guy!"

*Andy Nowak Trio, Bridport Arts Centre, Jazz Cafe, South Street, Bridport, Friday May 18, 8pm. Call the box office for tickets and more information.