QOW Trio Unleash Their Boldest Statement Yet with The Rule of Three

Release Date: 30 January 2026, Whirlwind Recordings presents The Rule of Three, the third album from the adventurous and generation-spanning QOW Trio. Building naturally on the trajectory of their first two collections, this album finds the trio venturing deeper than ever into the intersection of classic jazz tradition and free improvisation. Their sound blends the melodic and swinging tenor-trio heritage with uncharted, untamed musical territories, creating an experience that is at once familiar and refreshingly unpredictable.

At the heart of the ensemble is drummer Spike Wells, whose unmistakable rhythm drives the trio with authority and finesse. In 2026, Wells celebrates his 80th birthday and an extraordinary 65-year career at the forefront of UK jazz, having performed with legends such as Tubby Hayes, Bobby Wellins, Stan Getz, and Roland Kirk. Alongside him is saxophonist Riley Stone-Lonergan, representing the London-based millennial generation. Stone-Lonergan’s compositions and improvisational inventiveness continually expand the trio’s creative palette. Completing the ensemble is bassist Eddie Myer, whose big-toned playing and Gen X sensibilities provide both depth and adventurous counterpoint. Together, the three musicians bridge decades of jazz history, merging influences and voices into a cohesive and exploratory sound.

The QOW Trio’s origins lie in their shared admiration for Sonny Rollins’ piano-less trios of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Over time, the group expanded its repertoire, exploring diverse stylistic landscapes shaped by their individual tastes and generational perspectives. The Rule of Three represents their most coherent and ambitious recording to date. The album journeys from the spiritual intensity of Ayler to the refined elegance of Strayhorn, from bebop and calypso rhythms to cinematic cowboy motifs, and from structured arrangements to unrestrained free-jazz improvisations. Every track delivers surprises while maintaining the sincerity, conviction, and infectious energy that defines the trio’s live performances.

This album is a bold declaration from a project committed to both honoring jazz’s rich past and charting a visionary future. Available on 180-gram black vinyl and a 6-panel digipak CD edition, The Rule of Three captures the adventurous spirit of three generations coming together to push the limits of jazz expression. The tracklisting includes eight compelling compositions: “The Rule of Three,” “Egglet,” “Kurt Angle,” “Lush Life,” “NowHere,” “Sheriff Elvin,” “Ghosts,” and “Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling,” each demonstrating the trio’s imaginative interplay and fearless creativity.

The Rule of Three is an essential listen for anyone seeking a modern yet historically grounded exploration of jazz, delivered with virtuosity, empathy, and a deep sense of adventure.