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Tri-Fi

Matthew Fries, Phil Palombi and Keith Hall were brought together as the backing trio for jazz vocalist, Curtis Stigers, and toured extensively building up a level of musical communication that has become rare in the jazz world. With Tri-Fi they step into the spotlight and build on this musical chemistry with original compositions, new arrangements, and a vibrant swing in the tradition of the classic jazz piano trio. The result has been rave reviews.

"There is a big difference between a 'band' and musicians who just work together occasionally," explains Hall. "Because we spend so much time together, there is a freedom that is expressed in our music. We always have lots of fun."

Tri-Fi's style has been compared to the music of the Bill Evans Trio, the Oscar Peterson Trio, and modern piano trios of Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea - these are all major influences to the band.

Tri-Fi were praised on their self-titled debut album for "the perpetual forward thrust of the music... and their flawless intercommunication" by All About Jazz, and described as infusing "creative writing, fresh arranging and complimentary playing to offer us music that has to be reckoned with" by JazzReview.com.

On their 2007 release, Postcards, the three musicians again share compositional duties and the resulting music on this CD of entirely original material ranges widely in style and influence. All Music Guide says, "Tri-Fi is well on their way to incorporating new style and strength to their already potent brand of piano trio music."

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6
Album Review

Tri-Fi: Staring into the Sun

Read "Staring into the Sun" reviewed by Jeffrey Uhrich


With their impressive new release, Staring into the Sun, Tri-Fi defies the odds and provides a sound argument that a piano trio can indeed be a “band" in the truest sense of the word. In most cases, albums that are released by musicians marketing themselves as a jazz “band" are merely vehicles to provide a framework for the individual musicians of the “band" to show off their musical prowess and bombard the listener with indulgent solo after indulgent solo. With ...

125
Album Review

Tri-Fi: A Tri-Fi Christmas

Read "A Tri-Fi Christmas" reviewed by Mark Corroto


Every Christmas there are volunteers sent to save us from the wrath of Burl Ives. They are called jazz musicians. Everyone loves a bit of schmaltzy music a few days before the holidays, but the only problem these days is that the holiday begins right after Halloween. Sixty days of grandma getting run over by a reindeer can make you suicidal.This year's finest jazz Christmas offering might just be by pianist Matthew Fries, bassist Phil Palombi and drummer ...

87
Album Review

Tri-Fi: Postcards

Read "Postcards" reviewed by Mark Corroto


Refreshingly radiant, the second release by the piano trio known as Tri-Fi is a hopeful session of original music. The trio of pianist Matthew Fries, drummer Keith Hall and bassist Phil Palombi was originally formed as the rhythm section for vocalist Curtis Stigers, but they have gone on to tour and record together as a working unit. Their 2005 self-titled debut offered a glimpse at their interplay, but Postcards delivers an assured message with brilliant swing.

The disc ...

507
Album Review

Tri-Fi: Tri-Fi

Read "Tri-Fi" reviewed by Eric J. Iannelli


Tri-Fi comprises pianist Matthew Fries, drummer Keith Hall, and bassist Phil Palombi. The trio itself is relatively new, this eponymous disc marking its first recording as such; yet Fries, Hall, and Palombi have been playing together for years and working up a considerable rapport as the backing band for Curtis Stigers, who, incidentally, contributes guest vocals to the only non-original track here, the closing “You Go to My Head." A quick look at the songwriting credits should ...

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"Tri-Fi is a winner!" - Ed Thigpen

"The trio are as smooth and sleek as you could ask, but when grit and grease and a little R&B are required, the musicians are never at a loss." - Clive Davis - The London Times

“TRI-FI has a sound everybody can root for!” - Bill Wood, Kalamazoo Gazette

“This trio snaps and crackles like a fireplace full of well-seasoned Yule logs...”

- Neil Tesser, Chicago Jazz Music Examiner

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Staring into the Sun

Self Produced
2014

buy

A Tri-Fi Christmas

Self Produced
2011

buy

Postcards

Self Produced
2007

buy

Tri-Fi

CAP
2005

buy

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