An expressive composer and proficient bandleader, Bill Laurance, the five-time Grammy winning pianist,
composer and founding member of fusion powerhouse Snarky Puppy, continues to explore an inspired
range of sounds and ensemble combinations.
From the stunning solo piano recording, Affinity (2022), to the expansive collaboration with the WDR Big
Band Live at the Philharmonie Cologne album (2019) to the symphonic and critically acclaimed Bloom LP,
recorded with The Untold Orchestra (2024) – there are few creative avenues that the industrious musician is yet to explore.
That continued inspiration has led to the formation of Laurance’s new trio, featuring drummer Oscar Ogden (Doom Cannon / Charlie Stacey) and bassist Menelik Claffey (Byron Wallen / Secret Night Gang). The trio have developed a musical kinship, which has seen new influences and instrumentation added to the sonic palette.
The latest release by this project celebrates the launch of the new Rhodes Mk8 keyboard. Filmed and
recorded at Nave Studios in Leeds, The Rhodes Mk8 Sessions (2024) showcases this revolutionary
keyboard in a live studio setting, with new original groove based compositions.
If jazz is to continue to appeal to future generations then it needs people like Bill Laurance to renew its relevance
credits
Bill Laurance keys | Menelik Claffey bass | Oscar Ogden drums
