Addison Frei Trio - No Defense (2018)

'No Defence' features a new trio comprising bassist Tamir Shmerling, drummer Mario Gonzi and Addison Frei on piano.

"Throughout this set, Addison Frei's playing and compositions are so sophisticated and mature that one would never guess that this was his first recording. Seven of the first eight songs are his originals. Those are not merely quick melodies and chord changes that serve as the foundation for long solos. Instead, the songs often travel through several moods and the development is both unpredictable and logical. The emphasis is on thoughtful playing, close group interplay, concise and meaningful statements, and a lyrical ballad feel even during the more heated sections." Scott Yanow

New York-based pianist Addison Frei has won first prize in several competitions including the 2017 Parmigiani Montreux Jazz Piano Solo Competition, the 2016 UNISA International Jazz Piano Competition in Pretoria, South Africa, and the 2015 American Jazz Pianist Competition in Melbourne, Florida. He has released two albums on Armored Records, Intentions (2014) and Transit (2016), featuring frequent collaborator and Manhattan Transfer co-founder Janis Siegel. Frei also co-leads AMP Trio, who recently completed a Japanese tour and alongside vocalist Tahira Clayton, was selected as the winner of the DC Jazz Prix, earning a DC Jazz Festival performance in 2018. He currently holds the piano chair in the Juilliard Artist Diploma Ensemble, consistently performing and touring with the conservatory's flagship jazz ensemble.