LATEST NEWS
read Theo's interview for tourdates.co.uk
Double Talk - Ascending - Live at the Pizza NOW SOLD OUT
The new Theo Travis' Double Talk recording 'Ascending : Live at the Pizza' was released on 12 April as a Limited Edition Collector's Item - on CD. The album was successfully launched with a sold out show at the Pizza Express, Dean St, London.
Strictly limited to only 100 Copies of a Double CD
All individually numbered
All personally signed by all four members of the band
The 2 CD set will be cased in a stylish metal box with card insert
CD now completely sold out
The release is also available as an mp3 download from -
burningshed.com/store/theotravis/
TRAVIS & FRIPP - THREAD 2LP VINYL EDITION. (release date delayed to 27 April)
Now available to order
This edition of the much acclaimed Travis & Fripp CD Thread, features all the tracks from the CD, plus on Side 4, remastered and rearranged versions of the Travis & Fripp pieces from the Double Talk CD as well as an exclusive previously unreleased track "Only Tomorrow". The new versions of the Double Talk tracks are all stripped down so as just to feature Travis & Fripp. 'Oblivionville' is extended with previously unheard material and features Theo on clarinets together with Robert's exquisite guitar soundscapes. The album comes in a stunning gatefold sleeve with the album being released in 3 different coloured vinyl - black, orange and blue. Theo and Robert will also be appearing live for the first time at Coventry Cathedral at 4 pm on Sat 23 May. See live page for details.
Thread is a collection of nine pieces by Theo (alto flute, soprano sax) and Robert Fripp (guitar, soundscapes) - the legendary guitarist, composer and founding member of seminal rock band King Crimson. It was recorded at DGM Soundworld by David Singleton on one extraordinary day in January 2007, with later editing, mixing and mastering by Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree/ No Man). The album is a continuation of the work started on the Double Talk album - particularly the duet "The Endless Search", and released on the Panegyric label (associated with DGM)
The collaboration has yielded a very beautiful sequence of recordings that neatly avoid many of the clichés routinely associated with terms such as "ambient" and "improvised", while encompassing the core elements of both forms of music. In common with the best such meeting points between musicians and musical styles, the resulting hybrid defies easy categorisation or pigeon-holing content instead to occupy its own musical space.
The improvisational core of the music gives the performances space to breathe allowing for a sense of movement and change often lacking in the glut of pre-programmed ambient music in the marketplace. The strength of the duo as players and listeners never allows the improvisational base to sound "insular"; the overall sound is expansive and inviting for the listener, the passion and commitment of the players audible from the first moments. Unfashionably, perhaps, in an era where music is often portrayed as ephemeral or disposable, it is an album that rewards repeated listening, revealing new depths with each play. CD £12 including p+p. (see ORDERING)
SLOW LIFE
Copies of Double Vinyl album Slow Life now available
There are now copies of the 2LP Deluxe Slow Life vinyl release (Tonefloat records) for sale from this site. See ordering page. If you want a signed copy, please request this when ordering.
The album which features Theo soley on alto flute and loops has been very highly acclaimed (see reviews page), and for this version of the album, there are three previously unreleased tracks. Two are outtakes from the original recording session, and the third which takes up the entire Side Four of the album, is a brand new 17 min 50 track by Bass Communion (aka Steven Wilson) which is a "reconstruction" made out of further unreleased outtakes from the original sessions. The piece involves only Theo's flutes but processed, filtered, layered and looped into a huge and beautiful sound canvas structured like a four part journey through a glorious 17 mins 50 secs. The album is released in a gatefold sleeve featuring more of Mark Nelson's beautiful snowscape photography that graced the original CD cover.One album is white vinyl, the other black vinyl. This is a limited edition album so order your copy now.
DOWNLOAD STORE
Theo now has his own official download store at Burningshed.com. You can downolad Theo's albums both in mp3 format and high resolution Flac format. There will also be exclusive download tracks only available there. This will include EP type length releases, live performances and other tracks. Theo fully endorses Burning Shed and please be aware that if you buy downloads from there as opposed to any other site, Theo will actually get payed for them!
THEO TRAVIS - DOUBLE TALK
The new Double Talk CD was released on 19 November to much acclaim.
Jazz UK magazine gave both the CD and touring band a great review -
" As a saxophonist, Travis can bridge swing-sax romanticism, Ronnie Laws funkiness, or a little of Andy Sheppard’s quirky , asymmetrical phrasing. As a flautist who sparingly deploys hypnotic electronic assistance, he can be as poetically minimalist as any ECM Records star. But he can be a headlong groover too, and there’s plenty of that on the Double Talk project, with its fierce organ-blasting, driving guitar soloing from the gifted Mike Outram, and no-prisoners drumming from the excellent Roy Dodds. "
The Guardian Guide chose Double Talk as the No 1 Jazz gig Pick of the Week - 30 November 2007. Also on 6 December the Guardian singled out Double Talk as the single Critics Choice Jazz gig.
The Scotsman Newspaper gave Double Talk 4 stars saying " Travis is a gifted improviser in a variety of settings, from the beguilingly melodic approach he adopts here through to free-jazz blowing. His compositions have a spacious openness that allows his collaborators to make their own telling contributions"
the US Webzine All About Jazz states that Travis and his new group " deserve to emerge from hidden treasure status"
The BBC Website describes the CD -
"Double Talk sees (Travis) stepping out in front of a powerhouse trio featuring Peter Whittaker on Hammond, Mike Outram on guitar and Roy Dodds on drums, with a special guest appearance from Robert Fripp and his array of guitar-based soundscapes. The choice of guest gives the biggest hint as to the direction of this album. Travis' tenor is a warm, mellifluous instrument and together with the luscious, bluesy Hammond organ they create something rather unexpected...a prog-rock/jazz/blues hybrid album of genuine power and excitement..."
The tour has gone dowm a storm with several venues selling out. It continues into 2008 with further gigs currently being booked.
check out the live page for latest tour dates.
TUITION
Theo is now accepting pupils in and around the London area for individual tuition for regular, occasional or one off classes. He would be happy to hear from any saxophone and flute players who are looking for some direction or advice in music.
A book of sheet music is available of Theo's compositions. Parts are both in concert pitch and Bb pitch for Tenor/Soprano saxophone or trumpet etc. Tunes included are Lulworth Night, Shore Thing, The Book, I'm Coming Home, Freedom, Out of Sight Out Of Mind, Three People, Full Moon Rising, Sex Food and Money (pt 2), Fish and Waterlily Boogie.
The book costs £11 including postage.
ON THE ROAD
The Tangent tour - 2005
See also thetangent.org
THEO TRAVIS - JOHN ETHERIDGE LIVE IN GERMANY 2004. Filmed by Dave Cook in Wuppertal
SEE VIDEO CLIP (3.06).
real player required
RICHARD SINCLAIR - THEO TRAVIS LIVE AT THE CANTERBURY FESTIVAL 2003.
Scottish Islands tour 2002
(see also SCOTLAND TOUR DIARY) In October 2002, the Theo Travis Quartet undertook a 13 date tour of Scotland, including a trip to the Islands of Orkney, Mull and Iona. The band line up was Theo on tenor sax and flute, Phil Peskett on piano, Andy Hamill on bass and Marc Parnell on drums. Some of the gigs were return visits after the quartet's triumphant Scottish tour of 1998 and some were new venues for the band. Audiences were very appreciative and friendly and the band was made to feel very welcome wherever it went. The whole band was blown away by the incredibly beautiful scenery around the Highlands and great hospitality. Island crossings were trouble free except for a booking on a ferry that did not exist! Although it was late October, the band saw schools of dolphins and seals which is a rare treat on the way to a gig! An interview/feature was printed in the Inverness Courier and the quartet got a four star review in the Scotsman. The tour was a great success and the band hope to return in the not too distant future.
Gong World Tour 2000/2001 see list of GONG TOURS
SEE VIDEO CLIP - ( 2.47 - best with broadband).
real player required
GONG with THEO TRAVIS. Live at the Subterania. London 2000.
