Trio! by Dabin Ryu

This is my first trio album, featuring some of my favorite songs and recent compositions. This album means so much to me because it has taught me so many things.

First, playing with two of my favorite artists and mentors for this project still feels surreal—I can hardly believe it actually happened. The experience taught me so much about studio recording and performing in a trio setting. I’m incredibly grateful to Joe and Johnathan for not only joining me but also supporting me throughout the process.

Second, I went through a period of intense self-doubt during and after the recording. I kept feeling like I wasn’t ready to make an album with musicians of this caliber. I talked to many people about it, and they all gave me the same advice: Just do it. Somehow,
hearing that was incredibly encouraging. They were right—this is part of my journey, and I’m documenting a moment in time with some of my favorite artists. All I can do is keep learning and moving forward.

I’m truly excited to share this album with everyone. A huge thank you to my heroes, Joe Martin and Johnathan Blake—this wouldn’t have happened without you. And a special thanks to Lex Korten for his endless support and friendship, as well as to Geoff Keezer, Ben Young, Kevin Sun, Fefi, Mari, Emma, Ryle, Isobel, and my family. I’m incredibly grateful to you all.

Thank you for listening!

Dabin Ryu

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PRESS for TRIO!

"...she displays fierce chops and control, matching
the intensity of her sought-after rhythm section at every step ... ​Ryu’s ideas are crisp and her approach authoritative" – JazzTimes

"...the album feels carefully planned, but its performances teem with chemistry, spontaneity, and invention...a bona-fide master class in piano trio interplay" - Textura

"Ryu is a force, blessed with a bright, energetic personality, a keen awareness of jazz history, and extraordinary chops ... Ryu is an artist to keenly watch" – The NYC Jazz Record