Beloved Canadian saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist Colleen Allen enters an exciting new chapter in her career with Tryptique, the latest chamber jazz ensemble hitting the Canadian jazz scene. Tryptique is made up of Allen (flute/sax), Fern Lindzon (piano) and George Koller (bass), describing themselves as “three kindred spirits with one compelling musical vision that balances the resonance of history with the here-and-now of improvisation.” They describe their music as “chamber music with a jazz soul, ranging in various styles from Baroque to blues to bop and beyond.”
The name Tryptique comes from the visual art world (triptych) meaning either three works intended to be shown together, or a single work of art divided into three. The three works together form a whole which is greater than the sum of its parts.
The three musicians have been friends and colleagues in the local jazz scene for many years, however when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the trio started playing together in weekly socially-distant online sessions, in what Allen describes as “conversational playing.” “During those sessions we amassed an incredibly diverse repertoire,” says Allen. “Our communications are deep, flow easily and cover diverse topics, so not surprisingly, the musical language follows suit. This recording represents our diverse musical landscape through connected, conversational playing.”
“I simply love the vibes with Colleen and Fern,” expressed George Koller, “It is playful and textural, sometimes referencing counterpoint and simultaneous interplay that one might hear in contemporary classical, Dixieland or third-stream jazz.” For Fern Linzdon, it’s about embarking on a journey together. “It’s [Tryptique] about trust, beauty and exploration,” she says, “Listening, reacting, and being immersed in a whole that’s greater than the sum of our three parts… it’s how we finish each other’s phrases.”
The trio released their debut self-titled album Tryptique back in November 2024 with an album launch at the Jazz Bistro. Recently, Colleen and Fern joined Brad Barker on Afternoon Drive to talk more about their work.
The album Tryptique is available now via ZSAN Records and wherever music is sold, including Bandcamp. You can keep up with Trytique by visiting their website and following their Facebook page.
