Triple Play by Carl Baugher

I often turn to the trio format for specific musical ideas where clarity and tightly meshed sonic properties are key components. Accordingly, the acoustic piano trio is a reference point for my improvised music and provides a flexible medium that allows the music to breathe. I particularly enjoy the ability to use silence as well as sound to get the point across and trio creations are perfect for that approach.

I usually create this music via 1) rhythm, 2) harmony and 3) melody. Therefore, I typically record the drum part first followed by the piano. The bass is added last and focuses the harmonic and melodic material as well as welding the rhythms together with the drums via drive and forward momentum. Playing all the parts of a trio by working alone is a triple play.