A TRIO of musicians were not holding their breath when they sent an unsolicited emails Dame Evelyn Glennie asking her to work with them on a debut album.

But to the delight of HLK the world's premier solo percussionist replied and agreed to work with them. They were also rewarded a second time when leading saxophonist Steve Lehman also responded to their request to work on the album.

People will be able to judge the collaboration with Dame Evelyn, who has been profoundly deaf since the age of 12, for themselves when HLK and their star guest perform at Devizes Arts Festival at the Corn Exchange at 8pm on June 3.

This week Richard Harrold, who plays piano and keyboards for HLK, spoke about even now after working with them on the album and appearing live he is still in awe of Dame Evelyn. He said: "It is unbelievable to be working with them. They are both so nice. When we first met Evelyn she got out the tea and biscuits and we all relaxed."

The album Standard Time was released on May 11 and Mr Harrold said they were pleased with how it is performing. HLK is known for deconstructing and reconstructing standard jazz pieces.

In addition to Mr Harrold the band is made up of Ant Law on guitar and Richard Kass on drums.

Trio HLK said: "We are all thrilled to be working alongside our wonderful guest artists, who are both operating at the very top of their game and who each have brought their own particular and highly significant layers of colour to our cherished debut album".

Dame Evelyn said: “Collaborating with Trio HLK has been a wonderful journey of exploration, a challenge that I have thoroughly enjoyed. It has allowed me to venture out of my comfort zone, explore new rhythms and marvel at the Trio’s compositional prowess. I’m really looking forward to performing these new pieces and seeing the CD on the shelves."

For music lovers the festival, which opens on May 31 and runs until June 17, offers something for everyone from the power of Toyah and her Full Electric Band, to string quartets, brass quintets and a choral concert.

There is also Flamenco, Cuban sounds and soul. For information on all performances go to https://www.devizesartsfestival.org.uk/