The Wee Trio
The Wee Trio is a collaborative musical exploration consisting of vibraphonist James Westfall, bassist Dan Loomis, and drummer Jared Schonig. In what started as a regular collective of Brooklyn musicians who got together to jam, chemistry quickly formed and thus was born The Wee Trio.
The band kicked off their inaugural tour performing throughout New York and Pennsylvania playing at a few clubs, a Jazz Festival, and an Artist Residency at a local University. The band reconvened back in Brooklyn to record and document the trio. The documented recording entitled Capital Diner Vol. 1 features original compositions by the trio with a few standards composed by Kurt Cobain, Sufjan Stevens, and Thelonious Monk. Needless to say the groups eclectic style has really helped them stand out in the New York jazz scene.
The Wee Trio comes from different areas of the USA; Los Angeles, St. Louis, and Houston. It wasn’t until Jared Schonig and Dan Loomis met, while attending Eastman School of Music, that the hook up was laid down. Meanwhile James Westfall was chosen by Herbie Hancock and Terence Blanchard to attend the Thelonious Monk Institute. After finishing his studies, he moved to Brooklyn, coincidentally, across the street from the apartment the rhythm section shared.
Each member of the Wee Tree is a leader in their own right. Their respective recordings show the legacy of their visionary bandleading. Westfall's Independent was released on Bionic Records. Jazztimes writes ...declarative and uplifting, incorporating elements of rock and hip-hop...Westfall's style is distinctive Meanwhile, Loomis’ I Love Paris was released on Jazz Excursion, was praised as ...one of the top releases of 2007 by Scott Yanow of All Music Guide.
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Interview
Album Review
- Wee +3 by Dan Bilawsky
- Live at the Bistro by Luigi Sforza
- Ashes To Ashes - A David Bowie Intraspective by Glenn Astarita
- Capitol Diner Vol. 2: Animal Style by Mark F. Turner
- Capitol Diner Vol. 1 by Troy Collins
- Capitol Diner Vol. 1 by J Hunter
October 12, 2017
Jazz this week: Arturo Sandoval, Moon Hooch, Paula West, Hudson, The...
November 02, 2016
Jazz this week: Jimmy Greene, The Wee Trio, Nevermore Jazz Ball, and...
September 27, 2016
The Wee Trio Announces The Release Of Wee + 3, Plus Upcoming Tour Dates!
April 11, 2014
Jazz This Week: The Wee Trio, Take 6, J.D. Parran and George Sams,...
September 25, 2013
Jazz This Week: The Wee Trio, Yellowjackets, Ronnie Burrage, Dianne...
September 19, 2013
Jazz This Week: Fareed Haque's Mathgames, Jeff Coffin, Johnny Boyd, Old...
August 20, 2013
The Wee Trio Announces The Release Of: Live At The Bistro + A National...
May 29, 2013
The Wee Trio Live At Subculture On Thursday, June 6!
February 08, 2013
STLJN Interview: Dan Loomis of the Wee Trio on Recording Live at Jazz...
February 07, 2013
Jazz This Week: The Wee Trio; Mardra and Reggie Thomas; CD Release...
James Westfall, Dan Loomis, and Jared Schonig play with fervent audacity, stretching the kinetic limits of their respective instruments. —Troy Collins, All About Jazz
The Wee Trio often veers from the expected...questioning the rules of jazz orthodoxy. They keep the music substantive and riddled with direction surprises