Ben Mcdonnell's 'Aleph Trio' release their first CD in April. Composer Ben Mcdonnell formed the Aleph Trio to not only serve as a platform for his own compositions but also to allow for the exploration of a wide range of music that shapes their own individual musical identities.
Ben’s own compositions encompass his experiences and reactions to people, places and situations, both near and far. Whether writing about the burning funeral pyres in Nepal (Track 5, The Ghats) or a celebration of his grandfather’s life (Track 3, For Pa) his compositions hope to offer an honest and open reflection of his experiences to the listener. The songs present themselves with a relaxed delivery that belies the sometimes complex nature of the music.
The Aleph Trio’s live repertoire can be broad, audiences can expect to hear a mix of anything from original compositions to cover versions of Thelonius Monks’ Brilliant Corners and Bon Iver’s Perth. It feels appropriate then, to expect that the term ‘Aleph’ is a reference to a Borges short story in which a poet discovers a point in space in which contains all other points.
Bassist Ben Bastin and drummer Chris Packham are not only dynamic and responsive musicians but share the same musical background as guitarist Ben McDonnell. The more the trio plays together the further they develop their musical relationship which is integral to exploring the atmospheric and melodic structures of Ben’s compositions.
The compositions on this EP serve as testaments to this unique purpose. Melodic, accessible and song-like whilst retaining integrity and allowing space for genuine interaction and interplay between the musicians. Whilst the five songs on the EP are personal reflections on the composer’s experiences, the music has grown as the band play it live. With each musician’s individual voice etched in, the resulting sound is then given space to push and expand the compositions into something more than the sum of its individual parts.
Ben’s own compositions encompass his experiences and reactions to people, places and situations, both near and far. Whether writing about the burning funeral pyres in Nepal (Track 5, The Ghats) or a celebration of his grandfather’s life (Track 3, For Pa) his compositions hope to offer an honest and open reflection of his experiences to the listener. The songs present themselves with a relaxed delivery that belies the sometimes complex nature of the music.
The Aleph Trio’s live repertoire can be broad, audiences can expect to hear a mix of anything from original compositions to cover versions of Thelonius Monks’ Brilliant Corners and Bon Iver’s Perth. It feels appropriate then, to expect that the term ‘Aleph’ is a reference to a Borges short story in which a poet discovers a point in space in which contains all other points.
Bassist Ben Bastin and drummer Chris Packham are not only dynamic and responsive musicians but share the same musical background as guitarist Ben McDonnell. The more the trio plays together the further they develop their musical relationship which is integral to exploring the atmospheric and melodic structures of Ben’s compositions.
The compositions on this EP serve as testaments to this unique purpose. Melodic, accessible and song-like whilst retaining integrity and allowing space for genuine interaction and interplay between the musicians. Whilst the five songs on the EP are personal reflections on the composer’s experiences, the music has grown as the band play it live. With each musician’s individual voice etched in, the resulting sound is then given space to push and expand the compositions into something more than the sum of its individual parts.
