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Trish Clowes concludes her time as BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist with the release of 'Pocket Compass', her third album for Basho Records. Some of the music features the BBC Concert Orchestra and represents a culmination of ideas and preoccupations that have run throughout Clowes' career so far. Clowes continues to integrate orchestral musicians carefully in to a clear overall concept, ensuring that they improvise as well as providing texture and colour. This has become her dream project. The title suggests ideas of keeping on the right path and staying true to yourself as a creative musician, feelings enhanced by Clowes' visit to California to spend time with the legendary Wayne Shorter. Clowes pays explicit tribute to Shorter's advice and influence in 'Wayne's Waltz', but the album as a whole is framed around this pivotal life experience. A day spent whale watching in California inspired 'Pfeiffer and the Whales', whilst Clowes composed 'Question Mark' before the trip, her dramatic soprano playing being a focal point of its sound. This is just one of many exciting surprises on this album (see also a rare glimpse of jazz oboe on 'Balloon'). As well as exploring Clowes' experiences in California, the music on Pocket Compass also encapsulates Clowes' life as a musician in London. Symphony in London is inspired by a poem by Oscar Wilde (another recurring influence for Clowes, following her setting of The Sphinx on her second album). The poem, about London and the Thames, contains imagery that speaks directly to Clowes, capturing both the ugliness and beauty of the city. 'Pocket Compass' also marks the first time Clowes has recorded a complete album with her quintet, with Gwilym Simcock contributing his virtuosity and experience on piano across the whole set. The original Tangent group remain, sounding like an experienced, empathetic unit. This makes for a rich and immersive sound world, and a clear progression from Clowes' previous work.

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