Sheen Trio

Parvaresh grew up in Iran, studied classical music and later played the clarinet in the Tehran Symphony Orchestra. In 2014, she moved to Germany due to political oppression in her home country and out of a keen curiosity about jazz. She studied at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences and still lives in the city today. As well as her work as a musician, Parvaresh is also active as a curator and was recently appointed artistic director of the renowned cross-genre Morgenland Festival in Osnabrück, which focuses on a broad spectrum of global music whilst emphasising the commonalities between different traditions, rather than presenting them as a disparate collection of curiosities. She also brings this holistic approach to the Sheen Trio, which features electric guitarist Ula Martyn-Ellis and drummer Philipp Buck.

Last spring, the group released their second album, *Transitory*. The title – which roughly translates as ‘in a state of transition’ or ‘fleeting’ – reflects the clarinettist’s personal journey as someone navigating shifting realities, whether geographical or musical in nature. Some of the tracks are characterised by creative chaos, with drummer Buck going all out whilst still maintaining a steady pulse, whilst guitarist Martyn-Ellis helps to bridge the gap between hard rock and fusion.

Other tracks, by contrast, convey a contemplative serenity – they are calm, yet at the same time permeated by an underlying tension. Parvaresh’s rumbling bass clarinet, whose sound she occasionally enriches with effects pedals, occasionally lays down bass patterns. The roles remain flexible, however: the three members of the trio share the tasks, weave melodies and collectively intensify the rhythmic urgency.

Line-up

• Shabnam Parvaresh – bass clarinet
• Ula Martyn-Ellis – electric guitar
• Philipp Buck – drums