Danny Widdicome and Trichotomy: ‘Iridescence’

You really don’t want to see the pile of CDs and stacks of download folders I have to listen to, but there’s some gems in there: there’s a lightness about ‘Iridescence’ from songwriter Danny Widdicombe and jazz trio Trichotomy.

I was pleased to hit play - eventually - on this July launch from Earshift Music. Danny Widdicombe brings his songwriting talents to a gen-re bending treat in collaboration with piano trio Trichotomy. Iridescence is a collection of 10 tunes that swing effortlessly between jazz, folk, soul and a little bit of country (check out Stare into the Sun).

As well as a lightness and controlled simplicity, Iridescence has a sense of spontaneity in the creativity, as Widdicombe explains: “We didn’t really plan out a lot of the music. We had sketches of songs and just went into the studio. The songs took their shape throughout the session.”

The album recording took place ‘live’ at the iconic MONA art museum in Tasmania and perhaps that also brings some of the spontaneity. The bouncy It’ll Be OK takes us to a better place.

Iridescence builds on the successful collaboration of Widdicombe and Trichotomy with the 2019 release Between the Lines. The lineup seems effortless, creative and productive: Danny Widdicombe (vocal, guitar, synth), Sean Foran (piano, keyboards), John Parker (drums, percussion) and Samuel Vincent (electric bass). There’s a special appearance with strings from Luke Moller.

The intricacy and complexity of vocal lines on Sunshine State of Mind rides above lovely trio work before the darkness of the Black Magic tale of revenge and “little white pins stuck inside my head”. Lyrically, Widdicombe explores the human condition from all angles.

Foran says: “There’s scope in the music for us to be really creative. It challenges us to respond to Danny’s lyrics and songwriting craft. These are beautiful songs that really stay with you.”

Enjoy the varied colours of Iridescence. Australian music that refuses to be shoved into a specific genre.