Album Notes

The musicians on “3 Trios +” have been playing together in various configurations for many years. Guitarist and leader for this date, Bob Boss, came up with the album concept in 2006.
“The four of us were on stage at the Idyllwild Jazz Festival as the core rhythm section for The Seahawk Modern Jazz Orchestra. We’ve all been involved in that festival from the beginning, as sidemen, as leaders and soloists. Rather than a straight quartet album, I wanted to feature the three different trio combinations that exist in that group of four musicians:
1) guitar/bass/drums
2) piano/bass/drums
3) guitar/piano/bass.”
The CD release finds guitarist Bob Boss celebrating his 55th birthday. He’s been playing guitar since age 12. Playing full-time professionally since 1975. Performed internationally and currently teaches jazz guitar for SDSU. Longer resume available: bobboss.com.
Pianist Harry Pickens has performed internationally with many of the finest artists in the jazz field including Dizzy Gillespie, James Moody, Milt Jackson, Freddie Hubbard, and others. Currently, in addition to an active performance schedule, Harry Pickens devotes his time, talents, and energy to using the power of music to help individuals, organizations, and communities get in tune with their greatest possibilities. He presents keynote concerts, workshops, seminars, and residencies internationally and his innovative presentations and performances have reached over 100,000 people of all ages. See: harrypickens.com
Marshall Hawkins has performed and recorded with many major jazz artists including Shirley Horn, Miles Davis, Roberta Flack & Pharoah Sanders. He is the director of jazz studies at Idyllwild Arts Academy and the music director for the annual Idyllwild Jazz In The Pines festival. See: seahawkmusic.com
Harold Mason has an extensive background in recording and television. He has worked with Stevie Wonder, Horace Silver and many, many others. He was also a music educator in public schools, having retired recently. He is very active performing and recording, primarily in southern California.
Bob adds, “This is an independent release that I’m very happy with. I was able to call on long-time musical friends and pick songs we like to play. It was recorded in three half-day sessions at Studio West and the live tracks were mixed, edited and mastered by Allan Phillips, who also added percussion (hence the +) on two tunes. Mark Keller took great photos and my family did the rest. Enjoy!”