Xen = strange, foreign, different Den = a comfortable, secluded room The XenDen Suite is my dedication to celebrating the life of one of my closest friends, the late Alan Corbet (1964 – 2008), a close friend and driving force of the West Australian Jazz scene. Alan created a label, XenDen Music, specifically designed for original and independent musicians. But unfortunately due to Alan’s untimely passing, the label’s full potential never came to fruition. This record is my tribute to an amazing man with incredible vision. -Troy Roberts "This CD needs to be listened to in its entirety to fully appreciate what a major work it really is. Initially it’s like looking at a grand cathedral from the outside only to discover its many disguised and framed treasures in its numerous nooks and crannies. Leading us into this work is a melancholic warm and tender opus steeped in solace; however, there is no sense of self indulgence here folks! Each note carries with it the character and charm of Alan and is delivered through the sensitivity and creative beauty of his jazz brother, Troy Roberts. The excellence of performance and the subtle yet, commanding string quartet arrangements brings extra shine to the jazz compositions and allows all the musicians to fully extend their impressive virtuosity with their own personal message. This was not written as a requiem for Alan Corbet rather a celebration of a man’s spirit and to allow us all to experience and ponder the power of love and music." -Helen Matthews Troy Roberts Double Quartet (Jazz Quartet & String Quartet) features; Troy Roberts - saxophones, compositions & arrangements Tom O'Halloran - piano Peter Jeavons - bass Daniel Susnjar - drums Semra Lee - violin Stephanie Dean - violin Alex Brogan - viola Matthew Hoy - cello special guests; Alex Millier - bass clarinet Gary Keller - flute, alto flute Libby Hammer - voice (please purchase a hard copy to read more about the suite and to support original music)