THE TRIO PROJECT
Band/Artist Information
Finn Talisker Rawlings - Piano
A pianist and composer from Exeter, Devon.
Has lead/played piano for/composed for 2 gypsy folk bands; Talisker & Tempest.
He was part of the Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra for 4 years, along with Samba Marcianas (Exeter School of Samba), and many other musical projects such as the Exeter College Jazz project, Big Band, and Jambassadors.
He is now based in Leeds Studying Ba Honours in Film Music.
Cameron Conn - Drumkit & Percussion
A diverse Drummer from Exeter, Devon - Who uses a huge range of kit, from; Standard Kit to bongos, cowbell, multiple toms, and mini splash cymbals.
He has been part of the Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra (DYJO) for 4 years and was part of music groups such as the Exeter College Jazz project, Big Band, and Jambassadors.
Cameron is currently studying a Ba Honours Jazz course at Leeds Conservatoire.
Toby Freeman - Bass
A bassist/guitarist/composer from Hertfordshire, Potters Bar.
Has played guitar since the age of 6, later picking up bass also.
Toby has played in various music projects including a youth music theatre band, as well as Ronnie Scott’s and attending a summer course at Berklee (Boston)
Influences
Hiromi's Trio Project
Band Members and History
The band started as a passion project of Finn Talisker with Cameron Conn.
Finn was greatly inspired by the challenge and complexity of Hiromi's tracks - He started teaching himself and learning a few of her tracks, he then brought these ideas to Cameron and formed a Duo. They did try and recruit a bassist 2 or 3 times, but due to their busy plans and the challenge being too tough, they did not join. This put a lot of focus on Finn filling in the chordal and lower parts where the bass would be.
”The Duo was great because we bounced off each other, were in tight sync, but during solo/improv sections we followed each other intensely to follow each other's cues back into the main parts of the songs.”
The Duo started performing around the end of 2019/start of 2020 but then were unable to perform much past March due to Covid-19. It was a project that they always wanted to come back to.
Both Finn and Cameron started studying at Leeds Conservatoire from September 2020.
“We took this opportunity to bring back out the Duo after its long rest, but this time we wanted to add something new. We are working on building a longer set of around 60-120 minutes instead of what it was before which was 35-60 minutes. We managed to find an incredibly committed bassist who shares the same burning passion as us; to learn, write, create and play the music that challenges OUR abilities, but also the audience.”
Since the restrictions have started to be relaxed, the Trio has been working hard on an extended set, now with the inclusion of three original tracks/extended ideas by Finn, one original track by Toby, and a couple of joint tracks; one with Finn & Cam but also a joint track with Finn & Toby.
This is on top of the existing set of seven existing Hiromi tracks. They are working hard on adding a few more tracks to the bands set; ‘Move’, ‘In-Between’ and another which is yet to be decided.
”We are now based up in Leeds and will be searching for venues in Leeds for performances and gigs.”
Please take a listen to some of the links within this EPK to get a good sense of what they can offer.
Recent Releases
The Duo's first track to be released, a completely never-before-played improvised track called ‘Fade’.
The Duo performs a medley at the Bronx Bar, Teignmouth
Playlist with other tracks featuring the duo
The Trio Project Live at the Hyde Park Book Club in Leeds
The Trio Project at Visual Radio Arts
Gallery
Press Coverage/Comments
“This duo is extremely dynamic, with a fantastic collection of original material too. Two very talented individuals.” - Thomas Cameron, Classical Tenor Singer
“The Duo brought the house down at our Powderham Live! event in the music room at Powderham Castle. One of the most exciting and entertaining performances we have witnessed! We can't wait to see what's next!” - AJ, Countess of Devon
”These two are brilliant, full of energy and very talented. What are you waiting for? Go and see them!” - Zac Ward, Jazz Pianist a studying at Birmingham Conservatoire, member of 'The Lazy Snacks'.
“Finn and Cam showed me music that really intrigued me into the wider world of music” - Hugh Chamberlain from The Wes Chamberlain Band
“Two talented young men who deserve to be heard by one and all. The connection between them both whilst playing is perfect! Original pieces composed and performed like true professionals. You would think that these two young professionals had been playing for 50 years when you listen to them.” - Emily Appleton, Appleton Event Photography
Awards and Accolades
- Powderham Castle for ‘Powderham Live!’ - performing as as one of the weekend headline acts.
- Performed a triple SOLD OUT gig, with 3 bands at the Bronx Bar, Teignmouth which was extremely successful!
- Marine Tavern, Dawlish, the Duo performed there as a weekend headliner too.
Tech Spec
The duo will require adequate space for;
Drummer and a full drum kit (with extended percussion)
Keyboard player and a full-size heavy-weight keyboard
Bass player with a bass guitar and a stage mounted amplifier (to be provided).
In terms of tech, they will require a bass amplifier and 2-3 microphones for introductions and conversation between tracks.
Contact Info
Band
Finn Talisker Rawlings
Tel - 07864 546492