Trihornophone
Bill Blackmore | trumpet
Seán Óg | alto saxophone
Kelan Walsh | baritone saxophone
Dennis Cassidy | drum kit
Trihornophone are a decidedly unusual group. Featuring trumpet, two saxophones and a drum kit, they turn every notion of convention on its head. Stranger still, despite stubbornly insisting on performing their own brand of mini-brass band music which relies heavily on improvisation, they always manage to balance freedom with form, creating a vibrant and accessible show. Lead by Seán Óg, winner of Cork Jazz Festival’s Best Young Artist 2008, this quartet is one of Ireland’s most creatively engaging bands today.
Winners of Music Network's Youngmusicwide Award 2007, Trihornophone's second album was released by Diatribe Recordings in October 2008 to critical and popular acclaim. Available now from sean-og.com and Irish record stores.
"This forward-thinking group brings its unique sound to ten original compositions, all written by leader Seán Óg, and the surprise, wit, and sense of musical exploration that we have come to expect from the band is maintained and extended throughout the recording with variety and panache."
- Kevin Stevens, JMI, Jan 2009
"[Trihornophone] are a fascinating group, with an old-time feel and a contemporary freedom to handle rhythm and harmony, judiciously mixed with rigorously scored ensembles whose use seems as likely cued as pre-determined.
Seán Óg's settings, so packed with ideas, show a determination to shun the obvious and familiar at almost any price, but their wit, invention and the sheer warmth of what is a very together band are palpable."
- The Irish Times, November 2008
"The trick with playing music that is in any way avant-garde – if you want anyone to actually listen to it, that is - is to make it accessible.
It's not an easy balance, but Irish quartet Trihornophone have succeeded admirably with their debut recording.
Saxophonist Seán Óg, who composed all the music, leads the group through a set of tunes that are full of musical adventure, but full also of humour."
- The Sunday Tribune, October 2008
Trihornophone