Joe Wittman has been an active member in the NYC jazz scene for over 10 years. In searching for the tone of Kenny Burrell, the feel of Grant Green and the phasing of Jim Hall, Wittman hopes to find something altogether different - himself.

He enjoys a raw and earthy approach to guitar, with a maturity beyond his years (to quote what was allegedly on Jim Hall’s business card: “can’t play fast, won’t play loud”).

Indeed, you can catch Joe playing nightly around New York City, playing well thought out sets containing a mixture of songbook standards and original compositions. He writes and records music that comes natural for his trio, as it is often inspired by the other members’ own playing.

The idea behind this new project, Trio Works Sol was to write and record music that came naturally to the band. The tunes are fun springboards into improvisation and the vibes of each tune are unique to themselves, making each one feel fresh not only to the listeners but to the performers as well.

The band has good synergy, a result from playing a lot together over the years. To best capture the group dynamic, the band has recorded in the same room. The live, organic sound signals to the listener that there are no secrets here, and welcomes them gladly into the inviting groove of Trio Works Sol.

1. The Judge
2. Big Sip Riser
3. Sweet Lorraine
4. Isiah Restored
5. Felon Wind
6. Three Trick Pony
7. Born to Be Blue
8. Boogie for Bloomfield

The swinging trio that specializes in playing the songs of Gershwin, Kern, Hoagy Carmichael, Richard Rodger and many more, open up their recording with the earnestly upbeat, modern jazz tune The Judge and the foot-tapping, finger-snapping Big Sip Riser and then they bring us the languishing old standard Sweet Lorraine and the gently fervent Isiah Restored.

Along next is the artistically organic Felon Wind and that is in turn followed by the boisterously playful Three Trick Pony, the album rounding out on the low slung Born to Be Blue, closing on the funky grooves within Boogie for Bloomfield.

When it came to recording this record, the band took a raw approach. Working out of Trading 8ths studio in Paramus, New Jersey, engineer Chris Sulit helped them find a suitable way to record together in one room. Recording this way allows for a more natural and live performance experience while shrinking the margin for error, taking away the possibility of recording any parts after the fact.

The live, organic sound signals to the listener that there are no secrets here, and welcomes them gladly into the inviting groove of Trio Works Sol.

www.joewittmanmusic.com

Joe Wittman @ Instagram