Geri Allen is a natural choice, an already well-established collaborator with each member of Trio 3. Cyrille played on her 1984 debut recording as leader (The Printmakers) as well as more currently with her Mary Lou Williams Collective. Since first moving to New York from Detroit, Allen performed as a member of Lake’s ensembles throughout the ‘80s, from her first ever NYC gig with Lake’s Jump Up to four subsequent recordings under his leadership. Workman featured Allen on his 1995 recording Cerebral Caverns. Needless to say, there was no need for formal introductions when this dynamic foursome entered the studio fresh off four straight nights performing at Birdland in New York. Admirably Trio 3 has neither given up their very essence or compromised their music or approach in this new chapter of the band, nor is Allen’s presence intrusive to any degree. As a matter of fact, the exact opposite: the four thrive as one under this unique union whose whole is much greater than the sum of its parts.

Engineer: Peter Karl
Cover art:Oliver Lake
Graphic design: Jonas Schoder
Liner notes: Laurence Donohue-Greene
Photo: Richard Conde

Oliver Lake: Talkin Stick Pub (SESAC). Reggie Workman: Sculptured Sounds Pub (BMI). Andrew Cyrille: Major-A-Music Pub (ASCAP). Geri Allen: Antoinette Music (SESAC). Recorded, mixed and mastered August 29, 30, 2008 at Studio Peter Karl Brooklyn, New York. Produced by Intakt Records, Patrik Landolt.