Hegarty, Steinbeck and Robles (HS+R) is an avant-garde jazz trio uniquely born of roots in the New York and Chicago/St. Louis avant-garde scene and flavored intensely with the spirit of south Texas. A native Chicagoan and now living and working in the St. Louis incubator of free improv, Hegarty draws upon influences as wide as Stockhausen and Zorn, Hancock and Shipp. Steinbeck spent time in the hallowed canyons of the NYC and Brooklyn experimental scene - working with AACM members George Lewis and Fred Anderson. Robles interjects a nearly encyclopedic knowledge of the jazz tradition flavored with the rich multicultural sounds and rhythms of his native El Paso. This debut from HS+R is an exciting album of unified vision. Their music spans the sonic landscape of the driving manic montuno feel of the opening track, "Potential," to quiet, lyrical contrapuntal textures. Each member brings a unique and varied background. Robles, in addition to playing with bands in the Southwest, played for Pop-rock band The Royalty and helped them successfully snag a record deal with Victory Records. Steinbeck can be heard on six recordings, including three CDs released by the Brooklyn contemporary-music label Engine Studios: "Nine Ways" (2004), "Three Fifths" (2005), and "Sun Set" (2007). Hegarty has performed with multi-instrumentalist and AACM artist, Douglas R. Ewert. His compositions have been performed throughout the US, in Europe, and the Pacific Rim. His multimedia opera, The Soul of the Rock, has received multiple performances including a production in New York produced with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. He has recorded and produced six albums including the IDM disc, "Leaving Venice," and "Cut It/Out" for solo piano. Reviews of previous albums: A very personal and original recording. - Corey Hall, JazzReview.com Unassuming gem from an American artist with much to say. Unreservedly recommended. - AmbientMusicGuide.com His playing is bluesy, with a very light touch, nice pulse but with an approach that goes a little against the grain, sometimes angular, sometimes hesitant or cautious on purpose, as if the notes themselves are living beings wondering what to do next...Nice album! - stef Gijssels, Free Jazz Artwork by Anna Hegarty