As a modern ambassador of the Hammond B3, Pat Bianchi is no stranger to the classic organ trio setting. The Grammy-nominated organist was a longtime member of the trio led by late guitar icon Pat Martino, and has collaborated with such six-string masters as Paul Bollenback, Peter Bernstein, Mark Whitfield and Chuck Loeb, among others. He also shares his deep knowledge of the music’s history as host of the weekly Sirius XM show Organized.

At the same time, Bianchi has never been afraid to take the B3 into new directions. His two most recent releases were both ambitious undertakings: 2018’s In the Moment invited a number of high-profile guests – including Bernstein, Martino, drummer Carmen Intorre, Jr., vibraphonist Joe Locke and vocalist Kevin Mahogany – to join his trio with Bollenback and drummer Byron Landham; while Something To Say in 2021 found the trio exploring the Stevie Wonder songbook with saxophone great Wayne Escoffery.

Bianchi’s new album, Three, is in a sense a “back to basics” outing following those two more expansive efforts. At the same time, it’s anything but basic as the virtuoso organist continues to challenge himself. The album, due out February 9th, 2024, scales back to a trio format, but for the first time Bianchi has opted for a sax and drums line-up rather than the familiar guitar accompaniment.

His stellar new trio, We Three, features saxophonist Troy Roberts and drummer Colin Stranahan, both acquaintances of long standing, though the trio was a fresh combination when they entered the studio.

1. Love For Sale
2. When Sunny Gets Blue
3. Dance Cadaverous
4. Cryin’ Blues
5. Stardust
6. Cheek to Cheek (Live)

With the Three in the album’s title being obvious, referring to the trio setting and the hallowed model number of Bianchi’s instrument of choice, the new recording opens on the fervently driven, artistically sculpted Love For Sale and the low slung, finger-snapper When Sunny Gets Blue, and they are in turn backed seamlessly by the quietly playful, albeit stoically-hued Dance Cadaverous, the joyously all-embracing, ’70s B3 ebb and flow within Cryin’ Blues, closing on the languishing beauty of Stardust and the organically sewn, 12 minute live cut Cheek to Cheek.

With Three, Bianchi and We Three find the sweet spot bridging a storied jazz tradition and the spirit of adventure that comes from playing without a net. As Bianchi explains, “I wanted to capture that vibe of taking risks and not worrying about whether the music sounds a little rough around the edges.”

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