With the release of Clocca last year trumpeter Rory Simmons bade farewell to his long running band Fringe Magnetic. But now the trumpeter, usually known for his very different work as a sideman with Jamie Cullum, turns his attention to new trio Monocled Man, a band that will now debut with Southern Drawl this spring.

A studio album recorded at The Fish Factory, London in February last year it’s to be released at the end of April by Whirlwind Recordings. Simmons is joined by Troyka’s guitarist Chris Montague and Kairos 4tet’s drummer Jon Scott. Inspired by the musical approaches of Tim Berne, Jim Black and Craig Taborn among others, tracks on the debut are ‘Southern Drawl’, ‘Big Wheeze’, 'Scribbles', ‘Pud Pud’, ‘Royalty’, ‘Van Vliet’, ‘Blip’, ‘Royalty Reprise’, and ‘Bullet Noise.’

Jon Scott (top left), Rory Simmons, and Chris Montague with the cover of Southern Drawl, above