Nico Widdowson Trio: ‘On Fools and Clowns’

Inventive and innovative pianist and composer Nico Widdowson joined me for a chat about his new album ‘On Fools and Clowns’ for an episode of Harmonious World and it was only right that I should review the album, too.

This is a truly wonderful album - holding the vinyl is always that opening point on discovering new music, even though I’ve heard several of these tunes before. The cover art shows Nico standing in the waters of the Thames, soaking wet and with the dome of St paul’s Cathedral behind him. Perhaps he’s being a fool, or a clown, and perhaps he’s just being Nico.

Each of the 11 tunes on this album reflect the man he is and the pianist he is becoming. It both pays tribute to his heroes - Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington and Willie ‘The Lion’ Smith among others - and traces his own journey to London (albeit not literally down the Thames).

All the compositions are self-penned, except ¿Who Shot Pinetop? by Fergus Quill and Maple Leaf Rag by Scott Joplin. Together with his trio of Joe MacLaren (bass) and Jordan Hadfield (drums), there are additional drum parts from Charlie Hutchinson. From the glorious On Fools and Clowns title track to the covers and the gorgeous To Those I Love, Nico’s writing, arranging and piano playing shine through.

Listen to my live chat with Nico for Harmonious World to find out more about the drive that has brought this album to life.

‘On Fools and Clowns’ from the Nico Widdowson Trio is out now on Trash City Records