David Baker Trio - Minus Piano (2019)

"Minus Piano" attempts to bridge two seemingly separate worlds of jazz history in a modern context. One of the beautiful things about modern jazz is that it breaks down barriers more than the music ever did prior— one of these divisions is the piano trio tradition and the chord-less trio tradition. David Baker (bass) forms a trio with Joel Harris (tenor) and Sarute Wijitwechakarn (drums) to honor the seat they leave empty: piano. Attempting to capture or reinvent characteristics of each honored pianist, the trio cleverly designs arrangements that feel fresh and modern, personal, and even daring, but at the same time, they feel connected to the music's rich history. "Minus Piano" offers a tip of the hat to some of the greatest: Red Garland, Oscar Peterson, Count Basie, Ray Charles, McCoy Tyner, Ahmad Jamal, Bill Evans, and Thelonious Monk. The debut album for the David Baker Trio promises to inspire just as the sources did for its members.