Built on Bach is an evening of Neil Cowley Trio music using Bach’s work as a ‘jumping off point’ for their iconic jazz sound.
“He was the beginning of it all - the fundament to my technique and the core of my musicality”. Neil Cowley didn’t realise the profound impact that Johann Sebastian Bach had on his career until he stumbled upon his gravestone in Leipzig, Germany. Cowley is a man of duplicity, as he says, “the heart-felt jazz-soul-blues stuff: and the head, the classical” ( Interview with Andy Robson, Jazzwise)
Formed in the late 2000s, the Neil Cowley Trio released their first studio album in June 2006, through Cowley’s own record label, Hide Inside Records. After the original album established Cowley as a dazzling pianist and stunning composer, he examined the possibilities of the acoustic piano trio and created a unique trademark sound that delivered powerful music of massive dynamic range and contrast. At the heart of their captivating live performances is Cowley’s marvellously English wit, mischievous humour and remarkable rapport with his audience.
Having taken time for a solo career exploring electronics and contemporary classical music, Cowley came back to his trio and brought all he’d learned to develop their existing jazz style. Using Bach’s original pieces as a starting point, together with his bandmates Rex Horan (bass) and Evan Jenkins (drums), new compositions took place. Built on Bach is the result of this - a 16-date UK tour that runs through April 2026 featuring brand new music with Bach at its heart, filtered through the Neil Cowley Trio lens. As with all of Cowley’s music, Bach’s presence is felt - not imitated. This will be a show combining the classic jazz sound of the Neil Cowley Trio with the sound of the most classic composer of them all; Johann Sebastian Bach.
