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“Life Goes On: And Then One Day” from Carla Bley’s 2020 album Life Goes On features the saxophonist Andy Sheppard and the bassist Steve Swallow, is one of 27 recordings assembled on Bob Hecht’s playlist devoted to non-traditional trio recordings.
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…..In the previous episode of this series, I focused mainly on traditional trios—the piano/bass/drum unit that forms the most common, bedrock rhythm section. Now, before we add another musician and move on to the quartet format, we offer you a series of ‘different’ trios—some of the more non-traditional threesomes in jazz.
…..Such configurations may include, as under Jimmy Giuffre’s creative leadership, clarinet/trombone/guitar, or perhaps clarinet/guitar/bass. Dave Holland may surprise with bass/trombone/drums or Carla Bley with piano/saxophone/electric bass. Trumpeter Ron Miles did some amazing work accompanied only by electric guitar and drums. One of the earliest ‘different’ trio units was that of Benny Goodman’s with clarinet/piano/drums. Even John Coltrane recorded with a trio format—if only because the piano player was late for the gig! And the always adventurous Sonny Rollins often chose to work without a chording instrument, enjoying the harmonic freedom offered by tenor/bass/drums.
…..Check it out! Some lovely, creative music is to be enjoyed within these unique triumvirates.
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Bob Hecht
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Click here to access Bob’s playlist “The Naked Jazz Musician,” click here to hear “Alone at the Piano,” click here to check out “Duos: Two of a Mind,” and click here to play “Trios: Three’s Not a Crowd.”
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Next up…a playlist of Quartets!
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This playlist was assembled by Bob Hecht, who frequently contributes his essays, photographs, interviews, playlists and personal stories to Jerry Jazz Musician. He has a long history of producing and hosting jazz radio programs; his former podcast series, The Joys of Jazz, was the 2019 Silver Medal winner in the New York Festivals Radio Awards. In addition, he is a widely published fine art photographer, whose work has appeared multiple times in The Sun, LensWork, Black & White Magazine, Zyzzyva and other periodicals, as well as in the book, Dream of Venice in Black & White, published by Bella Figuera Publications. He lives with his wife in Portland, Oregon. His photo website is roberthecht.com.
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In addition to putting together great playlists, Bob has conducted several fine interviews for Jerry Jazz Musician.
Click here to read Two of a Mind: Conversations on Creative Collaboration, featuring Bill Charlap and Sandy Stewart; Click here to read his interview with Pepper Adams biographer Gary Carner. Click here to read “Life in E Flat” – a conversation about Phil Woods – with pianist Bill Charlap and jazz journalist Ted Panken, and click here to read his interview with Alyn Shipton, author of The Gerry Mulligan 1950’s Quartets.
Click here to view all playlists published on Jerry Jazz Musician
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Click here to read The Sunday Poem
Click here to read “A Collection of Jazz Poetry – Spring/Summer, 2024 Edition”
Click here to read “Not From Around Here,” Jeff Dingler’s winning story in the 66th Jerry Jazz Musician Short Fiction Contest
Click here for information about how to submit your poetry, short fiction, playlists, art, or essays
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Jerry Jazz Musician…human produced (and AI-free) since 1999
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