Drop Trio

Last updated
Drop Trio
OriginHouston, Texas
GenresJazz
Years active2002–present
MembersIan Varley, Michael Blattel, Patrick Flanagan
Past membersNino Batista, Marc Reczek
Website www.droptrio.com

Drop Trio is a jazz band from Houston, Texas, consisting of Michael "Nuje" Blattel (drums and percussion), Patrick Flanagan (bass guitar), and Ian Varley (keyboards).

Contents

History

Drop Trio started in 2002 when keyboardist Ian Varley, who had just moved to Houston, answered a classified ad on JazzHouston.com posted by drummer Michael Blattel "seeking keyboardist for jazz/funk trio". They played together, and wrote 2 songs immediately. Blattel then contacted his friend, bassist (and now photographer) Nino Batista, and asked him to jam with them. After learning those 2 songs from a rough recording of the session, Batista jammed with Blattel and Varley. Subsequently, the three formed Drop Trio in the fall of 2002. The band immediately recorded a 6 track demo called Little Dipper at Batista's home in late 2002, followed by their first album Big Dipper recorded at SugarHill Recording Studios in Houston a few months later. [1]

By mid-2003, the tour schedule was too much for Batista to keep up with (his wife gave birth to their first child in April of that year) and he stepped down as bassist. Following Batista's departure, Varley and Blattel called on friend and Houston guitarist Marc Reczek to join the band on bass.

Reczek soon found the tour schedule grueling when added to the tour schedule of his own band, Little Brother Project. He left the band in late 2003. Batista rejoined the trio on bass, resumed touring, and ultimately recorded Drop Trio's second album on February 29, 2004 at Sugarhill with Varley and Blattel. This album, an improvised and experimental studio session, was titled Leap . [2]

By late 2004, Batista opted to leave the band again, this time for good. He parted ways with Varley and Blattel, who began to search for a bassist. Their search led them to Patrick Flanagan from Houston. Flanagan had been playing professionally in jazz and rock bands since his early teens, gaining notoriety in North Texas as an experimental virtuoso in several bands (e.g. Fort Worth's Spiritual Hum). Soon after Batista's departure, Flanagan jammed with Drop Trio on several occasions, each time yielding more and more impressive results. Flanagan joined them on the road. The band grew into a well-respected progressive jazz trio.

Flanagan's first official recording session with the band was Cézanne. The album was recorded live at Houston jazz venue of the same name. The album has been heralded by many music critics [3] and fans, and was a complete and total departure from the previous album Leap (which itself was a departure from the first album Big Dipper).

In 2007, Drop Trio did two tours in the United States. The first found the trio traveling from Houston westward to California and then north to Washington state, stopping in several cities along the way. The second tour took them from Houston to the east coast, including Washington DC and New York City. [4]

Collaborations

In late 2003, Drop Trio was approached by Solange Knowles after she witnessed their performance at Cactus Music in Houston. Knowles loved what she heard, and wanted to write lyrics and a vocal line to an existing Drop Trio song. The band agreed, and Knowles and her producers went to work. The end result was Knowles' track "Freedom," a slightly rearranged version of "Lefty's Alone" from Big Dipper. "Freedom" was featured on the Johnson Family Vacation soundtrack in 2004. [5] While the soundtrack sold less than anticipated, fans of Solange Knowles have praised "Freedom" and posted videos for the track on YouTube. [6]

In 2004, Houston-based rapper LRJ recorded "The Ol' Hood" which featured an unedited version of "Slapjack" from Big Dipper as its backing track. The song was featured on LRJ's album The Hang Over in 2005. [7]

In 2003, Drop Trio was asked by SugarHill Recording Studios (where most of the very early Destiny's Child albums were recorded) to record a song by Destiny's Child for an upcoming compilation CD to be released by the studio. Drop Trio recorded an instrumental rendition of Destiny's Child's "Survivor", in their signature style of organ-dominated funk/jazz.

Influences

While the band expertly, albeit loosely, writes and performs jazz-based material with a strong funk/rhythmic groove, they are influenced by a wide variety of genres and artists. They cite jazz and funk influences such as Bill Evans, Art Tatum, Miles Davis, Medeski Martin & Wood, The Meters, Galactic, Horacio Hernandez, and also influences from the rock genre such as Yes, Rush, Primus, King Crimson, and The Beatles.

Their penchant for progressive rock, especially its heyday in the 1970s, shines through clearly on many Drop Trio tracks. Musical elements common to prog-rock, such as odd time signatures (7/4, 9/8, 11/8, etc.), meandering epic-length compositions, and classical-derived, non-repeating song arrangements have become more and more commonplace in Drop Trio's repertoire as the band has evolved.

An early example of this is "Flux" from Big Dipper, a Robert Fripp influenced track which was written almost exclusively as a study into multimeter funk grooves, replete with angular riffing and an almost clinically complex arrangement. True to the exploratory nature of "Flux", in 2005 Drop Trio performed an avant garde live set at DiverseWorks in Houston composed entirely of variations of "Flux", rearranged and rewritten to for the "concept performance" with a theme of composed and impromptu tempo and time signature studies.

Discography

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Destiny's Child</span> American girl group (1990–2006)

Destiny's Child was an American girl group whose final line-up comprised Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams. The group began their musical career as Girl's Tyme, formed in 1990 in Houston, Texas. After years of limited success, the original quartet comprising Knowles, Rowland, LaTavia Roberson, and LeToya Luckett were signed in 1997 to Columbia Records as Destiny's Child. The group was launched into mainstream recognition following the release of the song "No, No, No" and their best-selling second album, The Writing's on the Wall (1999), which contained the number-one singles "Bills, Bills, Bills" and "Say My Name". Despite critical and commercial success, the group was plagued by internal conflict and legal turmoil, as Roberson and Luckett attempted to split from the group's manager Mathew Knowles, citing favoritism of Knowles and Rowland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Digable Planets</span> American hip hop band

Digable Planets is an American hip hop trio formed in 1987. The trio is composed of rappers Ishmael "Butterfly" Butler, Mariana "Ladybug Mecca" Vieira, and Craig "Doodlebug" Irving. The group is notable for their contributions to the subgenres of jazz rap and alternative hip hop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solange Knowles</span> American singer, songwriter and actress

Solange Piaget Knowles is an American singer, songwriter, performance artist, and actress. Expressing an interest in music from an early age, Knowles had several temporary stints as a backup dancer for Destiny's Child, which featured her elder sister, Beyoncé Knowles, among its members, before signing with her father Mathew Knowles's Music World Entertainment label. At age 16, Knowles released her first studio album Solo Star (2002). She also appeared in the films Johnson Family Vacation (2004), and Bring It On: All or Nothing (2006).

<i>Someday My Prince Will Come</i> (Miles Davis album) 1961 studio album by Miles Davis

Someday My Prince Will Come is the seventh studio album by Miles Davis for Columbia Records, catalogue CL 1656 and CS 8456 in stereo, released in 1961. Recorded at Columbia's 30th Street Studio in Manhattan, New York City, it marked the only Miles Davis Quintet studio recording session to feature saxophonist Hank Mobley.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Muruga Booker</span> American musician

Steven Bookvich known as Muruga Booker is an American drummer, composer, inventor, artist, recording artist, and an autonomous Eastern Orthodox priest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tommy Flanagan</span> American jazz pianist

Thomas Lee Flanagan was an American jazz pianist and composer. He grew up in Detroit, initially influenced by such pianists as Art Tatum, Teddy Wilson, and Nat King Cole, and then by bebop musicians. Within months of moving to New York in 1956, he had recorded with Miles Davis and on Sonny Rollins' album Saxophone Colossus. Recordings under various leaders, including Giant Steps of John Coltrane, continued well into 1962, when he became vocalist Ella Fitzgerald's full-time accompanist. He worked with Fitzgerald for three years until 1965, and then in 1968 returned to be her pianist and musical director, this time for a decade.

<i>Solo Star</i> 2002 studio album by Solange

Solo Star is the debut studio album by American singer Solange, released by Columbia Records and Music World on December 26, 2002 in Japan and January 21, 2003 in the United States. It debuted and peaked at number forty-nine on the U.S. Billboard 200 and number twenty-three on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums in early February 2003. The album produced two singles: "Feelin' You" and "Crush". "Feelin' You" reached no. 73 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart.

Skunkhour are an Australian funk rock band that were formed in Sydney in 1991. They released four studio albums, Skunkhour, Feed, Chin Chin and The Go before disbanding in November 2001. Feed peaked at No. 21 on the ARIA Albums Chart while Chin Chin reached No. 34. Four of the group's songs, "Up to Our Necks in It" (1995), "Weightlessness" (1997), "Home" (1999), and "Kick in the Door" (2000) were listed in the annual Triple J Hottest 100. The group has reformed periodically since 2009 for occasional concerts and festival appearances.

Everette Harp is an American jazz saxophonist who has recorded for Blue Note, Capitol and Shanachie Records. His album Jazz Funk Soul, a collaboration with Chuck Loeb and Jeff Lorber, received his first nomination for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album at 57th Annual Grammy Awards.

<i>Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams</i> 2008 studio album by Solange

Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams is the second studio album by American R&B singer and songwriter Solange. It was released on August 26, 2008, by Geffen Records. Solange was heavily influenced by the "Motown Sound" of the 1960s and 1970s prior to the album's recording, prompting her to work with several like-minded producers and songwriters such as Jack Splash, CeeLo Green, Mark Ronson, and Lamont Dozier, formerly of Motown's Holland–Dozier–Holland. The production also incorporated elements of downbeat and electronic music that Solange had familiarized herself with on previous trips to Europe, while the songwriting explored themes of independence.

<i>Leap</i> (Drop Trio album) 2004 studio album by Drop Trio

Leap is an album by Drop Trio. It was completely improvised by band members Ian Varley (keyboards), Nino Batista (bass), and Nuje Blattel (drums).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sandcastle Disco</span> 2008 single by Solange

"Sandcastle Disco" is a song by American recording artist Solange Knowles taken from her second album, Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams (2008). It is produced by Soulshock & Karlin, who also wrote the song together with Knowles and Cee-Lo Green and was released as the album's second single in August 2008.

"Freedom" is a song by Solange included on the soundtrack of the 2004 comedy film Johnson Family Vacation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Why Don't You Love Me (Beyoncé song)</span> 2010 song by Beyoncé

"Why Don't You Love Me" is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé Knowles for the platinum edition of her third studio album, I Am... Sasha Fierce (2008). It was written by Knowles, Angela Beyincé, Solange Knowles and the Bama Boyz and produced by the Bama Boyz and Knowles. "Why Don't You Love Me" is an R&B song with disco influences that is set in a retro style. According to its lyrics, Knowles questions her love interest about why he does not value her fabulousness. Its 1960s-styled music video was directed by Melina Matsoukas and Knowles under the alias Bee-Z, and it stars the latter as "B.B. Homemaker". Knowles pays homage to Bettie Page in the video, which critics universally commended for its 1960's style sets and costumes. They also complimented Knowles for her acting skills.

<i>Overseas</i> (album) 1958 studio album by Tommy Flanagan

Overseas is an album by pianist Tommy Flanagan and his trio, recorded in 1957. It was Flanagan's debut album as a leader and was made in Sweden whilst touring with J. J. Johnson.

<i>True</i> (EP) 2012 EP by Solange

True is the first extended play (EP) by American recording artist Solange, first released on November 27, 2012 digitally through Terrible Records. Following the release of her second studio album Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams (2008), Solange announced that she had parted ways with Interscope Geffen A&M after releasing just one album on the label, and further revealed that she had chosen to go an independent route, eventually signing with Terrible Records. In 2009, Solange began the recording of a studio album, during which she suffered a "breakdown" due to the amount of time and emotion she was putting into the recording process.

<i>A Seat at the Table</i> 2016 studio album by Solange

A Seat at the Table is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Solange. It was released on September 30, 2016, by Saint Records and Columbia Records. While recording the album, Solange released an EP, titled True (2012) and launched her own record label named Saint Records. Writing for the album began as early as 2008, while the recording sessions took place from 2013 to June 2016. Solange enlisted a variety of collaborators including rappers Lil Wayne and Q-Tip; singer-songwriters The-Dream, BJ the Chicago Kid, Kelly Rowland and Tweet; and musicians Sampha, Kelela and David Longstreth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vinx De'Jon Parrette</span> Musical artist

Vinx De'Jon Parrette, known professionally as Vinx, is a percussionist, singer, songwriter, and former athlete.

<i>When I Get Home</i> (album) 2019 studio album by Solange

When I Get Home is the fourth studio album by American singer and songwriter Solange, released on March 1, 2019. It is the follow-up to her 2016 album A Seat at the Table and explores Solange's hometown of Houston, Texas.

"Almeda" is a song by American singer Solange. It is the ninth track from her fourth studio album, When I Get Home. It features an appearance by American rapper Playboi Carti. The song's title is a reference to Almeda, an area of Knowles' home-town of Houston, Texas. The song was written by Solange Knowles, The-Dream and Playboi Carti and produced by Knowles, Pharrell Williams, John Carroll Kirby and Nicholas Cobey. The song also serves as the vocal debut for record producer Metro Boomin, who provides additional vocals.

References

  1. ↑ Assadourian, Haig. "Drop Trio Drops Debut Album". www.jambase.com. Retrieved 2008-05-05.
  2. ↑ Cobb, David A. "Local Rotation: Drop Trio, Leap". Houston Press. Retrieved 2008-05-05.
  3. ↑ Sabbatini, Mark. "Cezanne". www.allaboutjazz.com. Retrieved 2008-05-05.
  4. ↑ "Drop Trio Official Showdates". www.droptrio.com.
  5. ↑ Official Press Release. "Drop Trio Produces Original Track for Solange Knowles (PDF)" (PDF). www.droptrio.com. Retrieved 2008-05-05.
  6. ↑ "Solange - Freedom". Youtube. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  7. ↑ Cinque Entertainment. "Artist Profile: LRJ". www.cinqueentertainment.com. Archived from the original on 2008-08-27. Retrieved 2008-05-05.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.