The piano trio setting the pace on the UK scene right now, anywhere to be frank, early listens suggest is surely the Bruno Heinen Trio who have a record called Out of Doors that the pianist is releasing on CD, vinyl and download on his own label in late-May.

It is comprised of Heinen, last heard with the elegant Kino trio, alternating between piano and Fender Rhodes with Andrea Di Biase (Hidden Seas) on bass and Gene Calderazzo of Partisans on drums.

Inspired by Bartók (particularly 8 Improvisations on Hungarian Peasant Songs Op. 20), Duke Ellington, Alice Coltrane, Chick Corea, Ligeti and Ravel on eight movements spread over eight tracks, Heinen has in the past turned his attention to Stockhausen and Vivaldi and established his own presence more broadly speaking within the prism of a post Bill Evans-type impressionistic universe while drawing on classical composers in his work. Look for a review of Out of Doors in marlbank later in the spring. For now check the promo video for a snap shot of the project. Andrea Di Biase, top left, Gene Calderazzo, Bruno Heinen. Photo: Carlotta Cardana