Trio M

Big Picture – Liner Notes

Trio M is the collectively led ensemble of Mark Dresser, bass, Matt Wilson, drums, and Myra Melford, piano. After several years of working together in different contexts and talking about forming a trio, Trio M performed their first gig at the Athenaeum in La Jolla, California, in January 2006. Everything about the experience just clicked. A few months later they played several more gigs and then agreed to record Big Picture in December 2006. Big Picture includes compositions by each musician, several of which were originally performed by their own ensembles. However, the character that the music takes on with Trio M is unique. As pianist Myra Melford says, "We enjoy discovering the different qualities evoked and places that the music goes in this particular configuration, among these musical personalities."

“brainFire and bugLight” opens the recording with statements by each musician and then takes off on a highly energetic foray through vamps and free-association, blazing new trails and sparking fresh synapses like the flash of fireflies on a summer night.

“For Bradford,” by Mark Dresser, is dedicated to cornet maestro Bobby Bradford, an early member of Ornette Coleman’s band and a colleague and mentor to bassist Dresser. In the early 70’s the two played together in the LA underground band Black Music Infinity, which was led by Stanley Crouch and included the soon to be internationally recognized Arthur Blythe, David Murray, and James Newton.

Drummer Matt Wilson writes about his piece: “‘Naive Art’ is dedicated to the maestro of perpetual child-like discovery on the drum set, Mr. Paul Motian. I am amazed each time I witness his organic offering to a song. The results always incite a myriad of emotions, from tears to audible laughter. He writes cool songs, also!"

Regarding her composition “Big Picture,” Ms Melford says, "This piece which was written for Trio M, lays out and traverses diverse terrain. I love the way this band can conjure some fierce energy and then slides into lyricism with subtlety and exquisite timbres."

Alternate versions of Mark Dresser’s “For Bradford” and “Modern Pine” can be heard on his previous Cryptogramophone release, Aquifier, featuring flutist Matthias Ziegler and pianist Denman Maroney. Dresser writes, "’Modern Pine’ is dedicated to master drummer Ed Thigpen. It is a convoluted blues with several steps of metric modulating choruses, a perfect vehicle for this free-wheeling trio."

“Secrets to Tell You,” composer Melford says, “This piece was originally written as a feature for bass guitarist Stomu Takeishi. Here it works splendidly for Mark’s brilliant arco playing.”

The coda for this recording is provided by Matt Wilson. “‘FreeKonomics’ was the result of an impending deadline. I needed some new songs, and this was one of the fruits of necessity. Myra and Mark deliver a smart message in support of the new world freekonomy. As the composer and fellow believer, I endorse their views.”

It’s clear that Trio M is special to each member of the group, and unique in the sense that it is an ensemble of equals. Matt Wilson expresses this sentiment when he says, “I’ve been a huge fan of Myra and Mark’s contributions to modern music over the years, and I was thrilled when the planets aligned and we were able to assemble on the sonic playground. The love and trust of sound guides our journeys, and the results are spiritually rewarding and remarkably fun to witness. Honest music without restrictive borders or unfair classification is evident in the explorations.

Savor the Big Picture and proclaim Trio M,

Mmmmmm Delicious!”

MM, MD, MW