Tony Tixier

Poems Never End is a complete, honest expression of pianist Tony Tixier's current status as an artist and as a human being, captured in a single afternoon during a whirlwind visit to New York City. Whether in thrilling trio interaction with long-term associate Joe Martin on bass and dazzling young drummer Jongkuk Kim, or reviving old friendships and musical partnerships with special guests Logan Richardson, Seamus Blake and Mino Cinelu, the passion and integrity shines through every note.

Without a predetermined plan for the course of the session, the band set up in the studio and the tape started rolling. This spontaneity is captured on 'Child Mind' as we hear Tony and his colleagues lightheartedly exploring the sonic confines of the environment. 'The Heart Is Lost' has the direct melodic accessibility of a pop ballad deepened by Tony's harmonic sophistication, expressing a plea for communication, while the fast, straight-ahead swing of 'Present' compels us to engage with the present moment. This sense of engagement finds expression in the overtly political 'Poem For The Oppressed' where the trio are joined by Seamus Blake and Logan Richardson, each of whom makes a passionate contribution in their unmistakable voices to this paean for those who are excluded from power. Other tracks include 'Pardon My Church', which has the gospel-tinged feel associated with Keith Jarrett's 1970s output, referencing Tony's stint as a church organist in Manhattan, updated and reinvigorated by the trio's effortless spontaneity.