Bassist Dave Tompkins is one of the most respected members of the Manchester jazz scene, providing a solid foundation for many of the city's bands. He's active in a wide variety of styles from swing to contemporary, although his personal preferences incline towards the free end of the spectrum. Performances by his own Bowline Ensemble, originally a quartet but eventually expanded to a 7-piece, included compositions by John Zorn and William Parker, and gave band members the freedom to explore, experiment and take risks.