The jazz piano trio represents the ultimate small group format. Surrounded by bass and drums the possibilities are limitless.

Early in life I had an unflinching admiration for the trios of pianist Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans. One possessed an uncanny ability to swing his way through any set of changes or tempos with dazzling technique - the other a delicate touch and innovative approach to harmony that would alter the course of modern jazz.

Just out of view but in the minds of players were the trios of Ahmad Jamal, Wynton Kelly and Red Garland who where making profound contributions. Jamal struck with’ Live at the Pershing, Vol. 1’ and ‘Ahmad’s Blues’ - Wynton Kelly, ‘Someday My Prince Will Come’ - Red Garland with ‘Garland of Red, Can’t See For Lookin’,’ and ‘Red In Bluesville.’

All three pianists possess lyrically expressive right hands capable of long melodic phrases and a logical understated sense of harmony. Each could swing in the most intimate way.

The perfect triangle needed just the right musicians to compliment the keyboard applying the finishing touches in just the right places. Ahmad had bassist Israel Crosby and drummer Vernell Fournier. Kelly had bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Jimmy Cobb. Red Garland had bassist Sam Jones and Paul Chambers with Art Taylor behind the kit.

I’d been waiting nearly thirty-five years to find two such compatible musicians.

The past six years the friendship and musical chemistry between Archie Alleyne, Artie Roth and myself allowed us to grow together, find a sound, a groove, a pace and personality for the trio.

Archie is a rarity in modern drumming. A cymbal, Hi Hat, snare drum, kick drum and pair of wire brushes is all he needs to keep interplay to the point and time steady. Artie digs deep within rare wood unleashing booming resonating lows and gorgeous center to high tones.

Together we share a common love and appreciation for all the exemplary trios who have come before and for those who continue to cultivate new ground.

Before all the giants of jazz piano consumed my late teens the hours were filled listening and playing the music of Frederic Chopin, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Maurice Ravel, Claude Debussy, George Gershwin, Beethoven, Bach and others. There’s never a day I don’t awaken and think about what a privilege and joy it is the be near so much music and live in the shadow of those touched with magic who have given the world an alternative to conflict, class subjugation, racial and gender bias, prejudice – to live a harmonious life with great promise.

The choice of standards speaks about composers I have the utmost admiration for- Billy Strayhorn, George Gershwin, Alec Wilder, Kurt Weill, Duke Ellington, Oscar Hammerstein, Cole Porter and others. All kinds of songs natural to our repertoire.

Bill King