The Hot Trio

For the first time ever I have started a cover band! However, do not expect Mustang Sally, Final Countdown or anything like that. The Hot Trio plays music from the 1920's & 30's. Jazz tunes from the books of Duke Ellington, Django Reinhardt, Fletcher Henderson, and seldom heard songs such as Moonlight on the Ganges, My Bucket's got a Hole in it, and That Da-Da Strain. Jazz drummer Lou Grassi has decades of experience playing dixieland, swing, hard bop and free music. He's also one of my oldest friends in America. Dan Shuman plays upright bass; another good friend with musical abilities of great flexibility. The focus since my early 20's has been original and freely improvised music and I'm still pursuing those paths with undiminished verve. A couple of years ago though, I got smitten by the vibe of old Ellington and Fletcher Henderson recordings, and so one thing has led to another. I wanted to indulge in this often quirky, bluesy, emotive, and strangely happy music, because it engages and speaks to me. In the spirit of aforementioned recordings made during the roaring 20's and the depression era's boozy culture, I wanted to see what we could do with this music in a boiled-down, turned-on guitar trio format. Now, of course a lot of this music was "big band" music, before the updated big band setting of today became the norm. So the imaginative instrumentation, palette of colors and sound effects of the orchestrations (muted brass, oboe, clarinet, banjo, various percussion etc.), is a big influence and guide, along with the often succinct and unique arrangement for each tune. To dress the guitar tone, I switch between pick-ups on my Les Paul between certain sections of pieces, employ fuzz, wah, tremolo, reverb, etc. when called for. Lou's kit is small but pronounced and includes splash cymbals, and other soundtools. We have been playing this repertoire of about 50 arrangements for over a year now at various places in the city at parties, clubs and restaurants. Please send me an email if you are interested in more information.