Album Notes

Jazz = happy music. At least that’s how it started. Now, nearly a century has passed since Dixieland bands, stride pianists, and many early jazz pioneers showered America’s landscape with the sounds of happiness. In subsequent generations, as jazz evolved in form, and complexity, a thread remained of those perpetuating the joy. Among the most notable; Erroll Garner , and Vince Guaraldi (each with their own trios), have inspired my own playing, and the humble efforts of this little group, which is (hopefully) evident on this recording. In addition to the 8 trio, and 2 duo (piano/bass) tracks from the “studio” session, I’m delighted to be able to include 5 solo selections from a recent live concert (on the same piano, and stage, as the trio session).
The “Joe Holt Trio” has existed in form throughout my career, if only as a “fill in the slots” construct, when needed. Now, however, with just the right combination of sensitive and supportive players in Mike McShane - drums and Gary Cattley - bass, the “Joe Holt Trio” exists in substance, ready now, in fact, eager, to join in spreading the “Happiness … A Thing Called Jazz”