TrioGram: TrioGram
Circle Theory Media

TrioGram's aptly named for recognizing the importance of all three of its vertices. Whereas another jazz piano trio might emphasize the keyboardist over the bassist and drummer, the NYC-based outfit featuring bassist Will Lyle, drummer Kofi Shepsu, and pianist Bijan Taghavi gives equal importance to all three, even if it's the latter who naturally shoulders the melodic load. They met when attending The Manhattan School of Music from 2014-16 and now contribute to one of jazz's longest-standing traditions with a fine self-titled debut album. In terms of selections, TrioGram could function as a template of sorts for jazz trio debuts, considering that originals by Lyle and Taghavi appear alongside solid versions of standards and a recent pop hit. The three proudly take their place within the piano trio continuum but also expand on it through the incorporation of Afro-Cuban, funk, and hip-hop flavourings.

Like any group, the whole transcends the parts, and the members in this case bring impressive backgrounds to the endeavour. Originally from Orange County, California, Lyle recently graduated from the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied with living legend Ron Carter, and before attending the school toured with the Ralph Peterson Fo'tet and drummer Billy Kilson's quartet. A graduate of Manhattan School of Music and Michigan State University, Taghavi's worked with the likes of Carmen Lundy, Joe Lovano, and Rodney Whitaker and is currently Adjunct Professor of Jazz Piano at Hillsdale College. The in-demand Shepsu studied with Buster Williams and Kendrick Scott and is also a member of the Brooklyn-based Friendship Trio with pianist Jenny Xu and bassist Ben Feldman. TrioGram's members pull from this variety of experience to generate performances marked by rapport and drive.

Recorded on a single day in August 2022, the Lyle-produced release opens with one of three tunes he penned for the set, “Esau,” an intense exercise in soulful swing distinguished by lyrical piano voicings and fluid flow from the rhythm partners. After “Esau” ends boisterously with dynamic solo flourishes by Shepsu, Taghavi's lithe “Changes” brings the trio's Evans-like side to the fore with a harmonically adventurous waltz that reveals how important each member is to the TrioGram identity. As he does throughout, Lyle shows he's no shrinking violet in the dynamic solo he contributes to the performance. Taghavi's other original, “Lalyc's Groove,” captures the trio's playful side, swings like the warmest of breezes, and includes an arco solo by Lyle and explosive declamations by Shepsu.

In an inspired move, TrioGram presents Dido's “Thank You” as an enticing jazz piece rich in harmonic colour and mood and in so doing perpetuates the jazz artist's practice of elevating pop material with a sophisticated re-imagining. Certainly Dido's original is melodically rich enough to warrant the selection. Though brief, “Trap” nevertheless captures a deft detour by the trio into funk and head-nodding zones, Shepsu in particular impressing for his hard-hitting attack. The three also show themselves comfortable tackling Afro-Cuban rhythms in Los Hermanos Arango's feverish “Asojano.”

April 2023