Brian Swartz, Larry Koonse, Darek Oles - Three (2006)

Simplicity. The word expresses what this recording is all about. Three is an homage to the great trumpeter Chet Baker and his trio from the late 1970’s, which included Doug Raney on guitar and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen on bass. By channeling the power of simplicity from those landmark recordings, Brian Swartz’s trio infuses life into the concept of interpreting standards. For his trio, the Los Angeles based trumpeter chose two world-class sidemen: Larry Koonse on guitar and Darek Oles on bass. Displaying both mastery of their respective instruments and strong interdependence, the musicians explore fresh, fluid ideas while maintaining a granite-like foundation of tempo and feel. To put it succinctly, THEY SWING!