Trio 3 (free jazz trio)
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Jazz music |
| Founded | Late 1980s |
| Defunct | February 2022 |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Jazz recordings |
Trio 3 was a prominent American jazz ensemble consisting of saxophonist Oliver Lake, bassist Reggie Workman, and drummer Andrew Cyrille. Their collaboration spanned approximately 35 years, beginning in the late 1980s and concluding with their disbandment in February 2022. Throughout their career, they produced eleven recordings, some of which featured guest pianists. The trio characterized their musical approach as "futuristic music within the idiomatic continuum of jazz."
History
The group originated in the late 1980s as the three artists increasingly participated in each other's musical projects. Oliver Lake explained that formalizing their collaboration was both an artistic and business decision. Before officially establishing Trio 3, the members contributed to each other's albums during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Their debut album as a trio, Live in Willisau, was released in 1992.
Trio 3’s sound drew inspiration from the New York loft jazz movement, as well as influential organizations such as Chicago's AACM and St. Louis's BAG. Reggie Workman highlighted their method of blending various concepts into individual expression. Despite each musician’s background in leadership roles, Andrew Cyrille described the group dynamic as genuinely "leaderless" in terms of direction.
Several albums featured guest pianists like Irène Schweizer, Geri Allen, Jason Moran, and Vijay Iyer. Workman regarded these collaborations as purposeful alliances with chordal players whose adaptable styles enhanced Trio 3’s improvisational framework.
Their final live appearance took place at Dizzy's Jazz Club in New York City in February 2022. Ken Micallef from DownBeat lauded this performance as "an unfettered gift."
Discography
Prior to forming Trio 3
- The Reggie Workman Ensemble - Synthesis featuring Marilyn Crispell (Leo, 1986)
- Andrew Cyrille Quintet - My Friend Louis with Hannibal & Adegoke Steve Colson (DIW, 1991)
- Oliver Lake Quartet - Edge-ing featuring Charles Eubanks (Black Saint, 1993)
Under the name "Trio 3"
- Live in Willisau (Dizim, 1997)
- Encounter (Passin' Thru, 2000)
- Open Ideas (Palmetto, 2002)
- Time Being (Intakt, 2006)
- Wha's Nine: Live at the Sunset (Marge, 2008)
- Berne Concert with Irène Schweizer (Intakt, 2009)
- At This Time featuring Geri Allen (Intakt, 2009)
- Celebrating Mary Lou Williams–Live at Birdland New York with Geri Allen (Intakt, 2011)
- Refraction – Breakin' Glass with Jason Moran (Intakt, 2013)
- Wiring featuring Vijay Iyer (Intakt, 2014)
- Visiting Texture (Intakt, 2017)