We could easily borrow a bit of political jargon and call this “a high-level summit.” Three instrumental giants of American jazz — and the genres that naturally border it — come together in a project that highlights their deep musical rapport, mutual sensitivity, and the exceptional individuality each of them brings as both performer and composer. The project’s leader, pianist Jon Cowherd, studied at the renowned Loyola University New Orleans, where his teacher was none other than Ellis Marsalis, the patriarch of one of the most influential jazz families. It was at Loyola that Cowherd met drummer Brian Blade, and together they founded The Fellowship Band — an ensemble that remains active to this day with a series of acclaimed albums and numerous awards.

Cowherd also develops his work as a bandleader on his own albums — Mercy (2013) and Pride & Joy (2022) — and has built an equally strong reputation as a sideman for a wide range of artists. His collaborations span from jazz greats such as Bill Frisell, John Patitucci, and Chris Potter, to singer-songwriter icons like Joni Mitchell and James Taylor, as well as country star Rosanne Cash and rock legend Iggy Pop. Brian Blade is one of the most sought-after drummers of his generation. Beyond his own projects, he has shaped the sound of the greatest: he was a cornerstone of Wayne Shorter’s final quartet—widely considered the finest jazz ensemble of its era—performed with Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Charles Lloyd, and also worked with Norah Jones and Bob Dylan. Yet Blade is perhaps most fully himself in the Fellowship project he co-leads with Cowherd. The trio’s bassist, Tony Scherr, is another major figure of the contemporary American scene. His unmistakable sound has defined avant-garde groups such as The Lounge Lizards and Sex Mob, as well as numerous projects by Bill Frisell. At the same time, he has left a distinct mark on the songwriter-driven — yet stylistically wide-open — recordings of Ani DiFranco and Rickie Lee Jones. There is no doubt that this trio will offer not only brilliant jazz interplay, exceptional improvisational skill, and the harmonic richness characteristic of Cowherd’s compositions, but also touches of americana and songwriting tradition — another deep thread that links all three musicians.

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