The Study of Touch

Released in 2017 on the prestigious ECM label, The Study of Touch marks a significant moment in Django Bates' discography, specifically within his Belovèd trio featuring bassist Petter Eldh and drummer James Maddren. While Bates is often celebrated for his whimsical and dense big-band arrangements (such as with Loose Tubes or Delightful Precipice), this record is a masterclass in the piano trio format. The album title is literal: it refers to the physical technique and the emotional resonance of how a musician contacts their instrument. The repertoire includes radical reinterpretations of Bates' earlier compositions alongside new works and a Charlie Parker cover ('Passport'), all filtered through a lens of 'chamber jazz' minimalism. Critics from AllMusic and ECM Reviews praised the album for its transparency and the telepathic communication between the trio members, noting that it successfully translates Bates' eccentric brilliance into a more intimate, focused, and profoundly beautiful language.