Third Reel

A collaborative group brimming with creative potential, Third Reel packs much musical information into the 16 vividly expressive tracks of its debut album. Trio members Nicolas Masson, Roberto Pianca and Emanuele Maniscalco are committed improvisers and gifted writers, each with a distinct compositional signature. The contrasts, and a shared sensitivity for space, shape the group's sonic identity.

"Often we're playing around the beautiful melodies that Emanuele brings along", says Masson, characterizing their diverse methods. "Roberto's pieces are frequently concerned with the exploration of chordal colours, and my own writing tends to be contrapuntal." Third Reel's album was recorded at Auditorio Radiotelevisione Svizzera, Lugano, in February 2012 with Manfred Eicher producing. "The very pure sound in the recording room in Lugano definitely contributed to the way the album evolved. It was almost like having a fourth member of the band. That level of clarity encouraged us to aim for, as far as possible, a 'perfect' version of each tune, with no unnecessary embellishment."

Each member of this Swiss-Italian trio is a bandleader is his own right but the cooperative Third Reel is a priority for all of them. Conceived as a trio without bass from the outset - "it means more responsibility for each player, as well as more risk-taking" - Third Reel went through various drummers until Pianca brought along Emanuele Maniscalco in 2010 (drummer and guitarist had previously collaborated in the band Food Chain).

Personnel: Nicolas Masson (tenor saxophone, clarinet), Roberto Pianca (guitar), Emanuele Maniscalco (drums)