A double-sided magnum opus, around 45 minutes in length, it explores the growth of an artist and his group in two recording sessions fourteen months apart, in a society fractured by post-pandemic socio-economic uncertainty and political ambiguity. 

The music aims to reflect the confusion of these times, through its winding and chaotic improvisations but also offers hope, structure and solace through its accessible melodies and tightly structured compositions.

The quintet, comprising Christian Altehülshorst (trumpet), Félix Hardouin (alto saxophone), Gabriel Pierre (bass), and Guillaume Prévost (drums), showcases a distinctive group dynamic – at once exploratory and cohesive – driven by Bristow’s nuanced piano work and refined compositional voice.

Additional guests lend fresh textures to the recording, including vocalists Caloé and Katrin-Merili Poom, guitarist Gustave Reichert, and pianist Tommy Scott, alongside the unmistakable sound of Mike Stern, whose presence brings an electric edge and intergenerational dialogue to the project.

Bristow – originally from Birmingham, UK – draws on a rich background in both classical and jazz traditions. His studies at the University of Manchester and Leeds Conservatoire (under Les Chisnall, Jamil Sheriff, Gwilym Simcock, and Kit Downes) laid the groundwork for a style that is as intellectually rigorous as it is emotionally direct.

Following the success of his debut Unknown Unknown, Sides marks a confident evolution – a bold and honest reflection of its time, and a compelling statement from a pianist-composer steadily carving out a distinctive voice on the European jazz scene.