The trans-Atlantic Tipple Trio of David Watson on guitar & smallpipes, Kevin Norton on percussion & drums, and Frode Gjerstad on saxophone, clarinet & alto flute in their 5th album since 2010, a studio recording from the NY area of 15 succinct and diverse approaches to free improvisation, each player shining uniquely and in extraordinary group interplay.
Tipple is the trio of David Watson, electric guitar, Kevin Norton, percussion, vibes and marimba, and Frode Gjerstad on alto saxophone, Bb clarinet, and bass clarinet. The trio is a free improvising group, crossing the international boundary by joining the Norwegian Gjerstad with New York area players Watson and Norton. Watson performs on electric guitar and various bagpipes. The communication between the trio is superb, and each release has brought a more telepathic link to their improvisations. The dialog ranges from very sparse conversation to emphatic and vigorous attacks, but never overwhelms the listener in chaotic ways, maintaining extraordinary control and composure. As Gjerstad comments on his website, "A nice little trio producing music that is not constantly loud, but reflective and moving." Space is a frequent ingredient to their playing, in call and response or slowly developing discourse.