The Paul Carlon Trio - Between Us Three (2026)

Tenor saxophonist Paul Carlon has released his seventh album as a leader, "Between Us Three," the second effort from his trio. The lineup features Grammy-nominated percussionist Chembo Corniel and bassist Alex "Apolo" Ayala — both bandleaders in their own right — who bring deep rhythmic feel and a drive to spotlight their instruments' roles. With no harmonic instrument in the trio, attention is drawn equally to melody and rhythm, as Carlon's horn lines sit atop the tight foundation laid down by Ayala and Corniel.
The record pairs six Carlon originals with a Latin standard made famous by Arsenio Rodriguez, jazz standards by Wayne Shorter ("Infant Eyes") and Jimmy Heath ("Gingerbread Boy"), and Woody Shaw's "Katrina Ballerina." The album opens with a "soundcheck" take of "Anabacoa" evoking the classic Alegre All Stars recordings, followed by three pieces written specifically for the trio, including the driving guaguancó "Espejos." The record weaves jazz improvisation together with traditional Cuban and Puerto Rican rhythms, closing with the title track "Just Between Us Three." It was released on July 17, 2026 via Truth Revolution Recording Collective, with the trio playing several New York-area shows ahead of the release.

Paul Carlon: tenor saxophone, composition and arrangements
Wilson “Chembo” Corniel: congas, güiro, guataca, chemboro
Alex “Apolo” Ayala: acoustic bass



Tracklist:
1-1 The Paul Carlon Trio - Anabacoa [2:34]
1-2 The Paul Carlon Trio - That Trio Vibe [5:18]
1-3 The Paul Carlon Trio - Espejos [6:31]
1-4 The Paul Carlon Trio - Papasito Rides Again [6:55]
1-5 The Paul Carlon Trio - Katrina Ballerina [9:10]
1-6 The Paul Carlon Trio - Gingerbread Boy [5:19]
1-7 The Paul Carlon Trio - Infant Eyes [5:52]
1-8 The Paul Carlon Trio - Just Between Us Three [5:47]
1-9 The Paul Carlon Trio - Baile M [6:57]
1-10 The Paul Carlon Trio - Un Pedacito De Tí [5:45]