The three members of Tarbaby – pianist Orrin Evans, bassist Eric Revis, and drummer Nasheet Waits – share a long history together. There, this dates to well before the formation of the trio. They share core beliefs about acknowledging the overarching tradition of the music while being true to one’s own story. Additionally, they’re an ensemble of serious intentions and riotous humor, intense spirit and fierce intellect, passion and purpose. Here, that all melds and collides in their provocative and risk-welcoming sound.
This eclectic power trio released two bold albums in 2024. You Think This America marks the first time Tarbaby has recorded an entire album strictly in piano trio format. Here, this marks a first for a band whose career is marked by collaborations. They recorded the album live at New York’s Hunter College and mixed originals with wide-ranging covers. Further, they play songs by Ornette Coleman, David Murray, Andrew Hill, Sunny Murray, and The Stylistics.
A yet-to-be-titled studio release will follow later with several special guests. Joining the band are Philadelphia spoken word artist Ursula Rucker, powerful saxophonist JD Allen, and exploratory, tightrope-walking saxophonist Bill McHenry. Also, the pseudonymous “Prometheus Jenkins” (a few notes will suffice to identify the sax master behind the alias).
Recommended for fans of Branford Marsalis, The Bad Plus, Jason Moran and Maurice Brown.
