The Spokes is a unique wind trio co-led by three composer/instrumentalists, who each have a distinctive musical personality and diverse history on the New York music scene: Andy Biskin (clarinet), Curtis Hasselbring (trombone) and Phillip Johnston (soprano saxophone). All three compose for the group with their own personal approach, but their music is linked by a lyrical sense of melody, a wry sense of humor, and a distinctive, idiosyncratic compositional voice.
They have released Not So Fast on Strudelmedia.
“The Spokes–Johnston, clarinettist Andy Biskin and trombonist Curtis Hasselbring–thrive on the freedom to define their roles, both as individuals and members of a closely knit unit. If there’s a defining quality to Not So Fast, it’s the remarkable fluency of the playing. Alternating between lighter-than-air harmonies and edgy counterpoint, the band engages in games of tag in which one member is sprung to run across the middle with the central theme. Hasslebring’s uncommon agility on his instrument provides an exhilarating X factor: Good luck catching him!” – Jazz Times