Fugue and Groove brings together classical tradition and the spirit of improvisation. At its core lies a profound appreciation for the piano repertoire - music that, though meticulously structured, often feels as if it's unfolding in real time.
Bach, for instance, was renowned for his improvisational prowess, spinning fugues and counterpoint with remarkable freedom. Similarly, Chopin's rhythmically fluid lines and Ravel's harmonies - rich with subtle jazz influences - invite a spontaneous, exploratory approach.
Jazz artists like Horace Silver, with his soulful melodies and rhythmic drive, and the Modern Jazz Quartet, known for their fusion of classical forms with jazz improvisation, have also significantly influenced the trio's style. Ahmad Jamal's emphasis on space and subtlety, combined with his classical training, and Jacques Loussier's innovative blending of Bach with jazz improvisation, further inform the trio’s approach to structure, rhythm, and improvisation.
The trio thrives on musical conversation. Familiar themes are reimagined - melodies slip into unexpected grooves, ideas evolve and transform, and sometimes they veer off in entirely new directions. They respond to the audience's reactions, drawing energy from the shared experience and allowing the music to take on a life of its own. The ensemble's balance and colour provide the perfect framework, but it is the interplay between the players - their musical dialogue and energy - that brings the performance to life.
The name Fugue and Groove reflects the two musical worlds they explore. “Fugue” nods to classical structure and counterpoint, while “groove” evokes rhythm, vitality, and the essence of jazz. Together, they create a dynamic fusion - exactly the spirit of the trio.
For them, Fugue and Groove isn't just about blending styles; it's about taking familiar themes into new territory, responding to each other's ideas in the moment, and inviting listeners along on a surprising, playful journey.
