Neu3 Trio

Brooklyn-based Drummer/Composer Scott Neumann presents a new trio with internationally acclaimed musicians Michael Blake (saxophones) and Mark Helias (bass). Scott, Michael and Mark all have extensive experience in the trio setting that allows for the musicians to break away from the stereotypical responsibilities of their respective instruments. Scott’s original compositions contain a balance of lyricism, rhythmic pulse and openness of structure that maximizes the bold improvisational capabilities of each of these fine musicians, resulting in a sound that is enjoyably fresh in it’s creative endeavor.

 

Saxophonist/composer Michael Blake has managed to embrace jazz history while challenging it head on. Honing his skills in John Lurie’s iconic downtown band the Lounge Lizards, his presence as a jazz artist has earned him accolades in countless jazz publications – including jazz artist of the year in Downbeat’s Rising Star category. His first album was produced by the legendary Teo Macero and hailed as a masterpiece. He has since produced another 10 CDs as a leader. Michael is based in Brooklyn but also keeps a foot in his hometown of Vancouver, Canada where he records for Songlines Records. He has written for TV and film and can be heard on the popular kids show theme ‘The Backyardigans’. Michael will release his latest CD in fall 2012 on Songlines Records entitled “In the Grand Scheme of Things”.

Mark Helias is a renowned bassist and composer. He has performed throughout the world for more than three decades. He began his international career in the Anthony Braxton Quartet. Up to the present time he has performed with a panoply of world class artists including: Edward Blackwell, Anthony Davis, Dewey Redman, Abbey Lincoln, Oliver Lake, Marilyn Crispell, Julius Hemphill, Don Byron, Ray Anderson, Don Cherry and Cecil Taylor A prolific composer, Helias has written music for two feature films as well as chamber pieces and works for large ensemble and big band. Since 1984, Mark has released twelve albums of his music as a leader. His latest CD, “Explicit” (2011), was released on the French label Futura Marge. Among groups that he leads or co-leads, Open Loose with Tony Malaby and Tom Rainey, BassDrumBone with Gerry Hemingway and Ray Anderson and “The Marks Brothers” with fellow bassist Mark Dresser are all archetypal improvising ensembles. He teaches at Sarah Lawrence College, The New School University and SIM (School for Improvisational Music).