Saxophonist and Composer Trish Clowes integrates strings with jazz ensemble on her subtle and mysterious second album. Following the success of her 2010 debut album 'Tangent', saxophonist Trish Clowes returns with 'And In The Night-Time She Is There', further extending her depth and range as a composer and improviser. The album features subtle, delicate and mysterious music performed by two different ensembles. The nonet features a string quartet including the 'staggeringly virtuosic' violinist Thomas Gould (Charlotte Higgins, The Guardian). Other special guests include pianist Gwilym Simcock and the singer Kathleen Willison. The rhythm section features the deft touch and musicality of drummer James Maddren, Troyka guitarist Chris Montague (here demonstrating his versatility) and in demand bassist Calum Gourlay. Most impressive of all is Clowes' own graceful presence and nuanced, lyrical sound. Clowes' music explores a fascinating hinterland between jazz and contemporary classical music, combining fluent improvisation with languid, evocative melodic lines and shifting textures. The three movements of the Iris Nonet explore a range of moods and sensations with quiet intensity. The modestly titled Little Tune, which closes the album, comes across as a potential modern standard, demonstrating Clowes' love for the jazz tradition. The album's title comes from The Sphinx, a vivid Oscar Wilde poem which also provides lyrics for the track of the same name. The compelling soundscape crafted by the rhythm section creates an appropriately dream-like mood, complementing Kathleen Willison's sophisticated handling of the melody. A similar lightness of touch characterises the whole album, particularly on the majestic opener Atlas and the subtle rhythmic shifts of Green Circle.