Jazz newcomers, Rich Meehan Trio return with the stunning new single ‘Gymnopedie’. The second single to be taken from the upcoming EP ‘Suite Antique’, ‘Gymnopedie’ follows the trio’s debut release ‘Prelude’ which saw them gain major support from Jazz FM (Dinner Jazz track of the week) as well as support from the likes of Backseat Mafia and BBC Introducing.
Fusing elements of classical piano with contemporary jazz and chilled electronica, ‘Gymnopedie’ is a prime example of Rich Meehan Trio’s work – musically complex, warming, subtly experimental and undeniably beautiful.
Led by composer and pianist Richard Meehan the trio’s new single ‘Gymnopedie’ blends warming synths (Jon Bierman) with effortlessly breathtaking piano courtesy of Rich himself as the track flows through a series of key changes – chopping and changing between major and minor as the track progresses through a series of interlocking sections. Tight drums from Paul Glover and warming bass from James Newman ground the soundscape, creating a backbone and giving the track a central pin whilst the top lines dances, floating flawlessly from gentle piano-led moments to explosive, theatrical movements.
Talking about ‘Gymnopedie’, Richard explains: “When I sat down to work on a slow track as part of Suite Antique, I had an idea in the back of my head to write a sarabande, a stately dance with a sort of 60s Baroque pop vibe. As is often the case with these things, your fingers and ears have other ideas, and I found myself writing my own tribute to Satie. I think we get him wrong as he was a fierce experimentalist, but we mainly know him from a few pieces of chill out. What I like most about it is the nostalgic turn in the middle section which builds to the climax when the sad melody returns.”
Mixed by acclaimed, Mercury-nominated producer Gerry Diver (Sam Lee, Graham Coxon, Tom Robinson etc.) the new single exudes professionalism and continues to showcase a jazz trio with limitless potential. An exciting look at a Jazz trio full of ideas and a unique multigenre sound, ‘Gymnopedie’ is released June 24th 2022.
