Earl/Thomas/Gray Piano Trio

James Earl Benders – Upright Bass

David Thomas Phillips – Drumset

Michael Gray McNeill – Piano

Art of the Piano Trio The piano trio – consisting of piano, bass and drumset  is one of the most venerable instrumentations in jazz history. Originally considered merely a “rhythm section” providing harmony and pulse for horn players, it evolved into a self-contained ensemble format capable of providing all of the richness and excitement of larger formats, despite its minimalist makeup.  Trios such as those led by Bud Powell, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett and Brad Mehldau have defined what is possible in this format and in jazz more broadly. This is a band to watch out for, which is already achieving telepathic interplay and collective improvisation of this highest order.