Partikel, the cult piano-less acoustic bop-into-Cool School trio, are joined for the first time by a string quartet on their latest album.

Recorded at Peter Gabriel’s Wiltshire studio Real World, Partikel saxophonist Duncan Eagles has arranged the strings on the album punningly titled String Theory which is to be released by Whirlwind Recordings in May.

Partikel – Eagles, bassist Max Luthert and drummer Eric Ford – have been together for six years releasing their self titled debut in 2010 followed by Cohesion two years later.

One of the string quartet members on the album is Benet McLean better known as a pianist and for his inveterate jamming at Ronnie’s Bar in a long running Wednesday night residency led by hard bop trumpeter Andy Davies.

Partikel, above. Photo: partikel.co.uk