Jazz in the Attic: Ryan Kauffman’s Trilogy

A new jazz series presenting the region’s finest jazz musicians and ensembles, real listening environment, great ambiance, like a big-city jazz club – but with small-town admission prices; cabaret seating, gentle light, hard and soft drinks available, snack bar open, family-friendly, smoke-free.

Comments from an appreciative patron about the series, “[The show] was exceptional for its intimacy, acoustics, and above all—for the quality of jazz musical talent we were privileged to enjoy…I don’t know if people really realize how incredibly blessed we are with artistic talent of all types, here in the Centre region. I think because it is so prevalent, perhaps people sort of take it for granted. What we have in this area is truly a treasure of cultural talent. I am honored to be one of the privileged residents able to witness and enjoy that talent in all its forms, and to support entities like The State Theatre and other local arts organizations that serve as the conduits to bring artists and audiences and patrons together.”

Trilogy began mostly by chance, but opportunity and history played their respective parts. Oddly enough, Kauffman’s first steady gig was with this exact instrumentation. As for history, the trio of saxophone, bass, and drums has long been an exciting and alternative format for improvisers to explore the Great American Songbook. Sonny Rollins is probably the primary example we think of, but artists as diverse and notable as Coltrane, Steve Coleman, Jan Garbarek, Branford Marsalis, Joe Lovano, and David Liebman (to name only a few) have recorded stellar albums with trios. To Kauffman, “the music takes on a lithe, lean quality with the absence of (or freedom from!) a piano or guitar player. Add to that the unique chemistry with Steve Meashey and Chris Loser, and we feel it’s something special.”