Ellister 3

Why play trio?

Playing trio is something I have always enjoyed very much. I started out playing with guitar and bass while still a student at the conservatory. At some point we were doing a lot of gigs because the band is small, soft (no drums!) and flexible.

Since my graduation I have been playing with a wide variety of bands, including big bands and salsa bands. New projects kind of drove the trio playing to the side line.

About a year ago I realized that I was missing the intimacy of the trio. The instrumentation almost forces you to be lyrical, especially when I take up my flugelhorn, which has a much warmer sound than the trumpet. I think showing off is one thing, but trying to touch the essence of a song: that truly is making music. Plus: music is communication. Playing just the three of us allows us to react on one another right away. We can even all look each other in the eyes. Creativity is the thing!

About the guys

Back in the olden days I did almost all the trio playing with Uli on bass. Already then he was a great player, but listen to him now! He has a busy schedule performing all over the world and is teaching jazz bass at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. As for Vincent, I have known him for years already, too. I think the first jamsession we played together must have been in 2003 and we have been playing together in bands ever since. He really is the king of swing. And with both of them I share a long history of making music, listening to music and relaxing after the music.