Camila Nebbia / Kit Downes / Andrew Lisle

Nebbia / Downes / Lisle: “Exhaust”

(AR, GB)

Since arriving in Europe from her native Argentina a few years ago, saxophonist Camila Nebbia has been one of the hardest working, most adventurous and exploratory young improvisers on the continent. Last year she performed at Jazzfest Berlin as part of the “Melting Pot” project for up-and-coming musicians, but now she’s back as a genuine headliner, playing with this fresh collective trio. The trio is rounded out by two Englishmen: London drummer and Kodian Trio member Andrew Lisle and pianist Kit Downes – the acclaimed keyboardist in Enemy, duo partner of cellist Lucy Railton and inveterate collaborator – who now calls Berlin his home. Although they all work in many varied contexts, they’ve clearly found common cause with this terrific new unit.
 
As heard on the trio’s recent debut album “Exhaust”, there’s a livewire energy to their fully improvised performances. Nebbia has a well-earned reputation for fiery blowing, but the playing of Downes might surprise listeners expecting something more akin to his contemplative or groove-oriented ensembles, as his playing taps into a raw energy and quicksilver spontaneity we haven’t heard so much from him. Lisle brilliantly brings it all together, providing a rhythmic framework that helps to harness the deeply interactive playing.