Chicago's JOE POLICASTRO TRIO performs LIVE at Cafe Carpe touring in support of their new album, "Mending Wall."
Hailed by Downbeat for its “deft analysis of choice repertoire,” and by the Chicago Reader for its “diversity of approaches to all kinds of source material,” the JOE POLICASTRO TRIO is a forward-thinking, Chicago-based jazz trio led by bassist Joe Policastro featuring guitarist Dave Miller and drummer Mikel Avery. While firmly rooted in jazz, the band’s open-minded, inclusive nature draws upon a wide array of musical styles and sources while still keeping the aesthetic of an acoustic trio intact.
"Mending Wall" marks the seventh release by the band. Inspired by the Robert Frost poem of the same name, "Mending Wall" explores concepts of identity and borders through a musical landscape of selections ranging from Italy, Hong Kong, symphonic themes, movie scores, pop tunes, and even a cowboy song written by Russian classical composer. Their diverse catalog - "Ceremony" (2023), "Sounds Unheard" (2022), "Nothing Here Belongs" (2019), "Screen Sounds" (2017), "POPS!" (2016), "West Side Story Suite" (2013) - captures the band’s progressive, forward-thinking approach in sonic detail showcasing the band’s original music alongside the trio's ability to remake unlikely songs in its own raw, highly idiosyncratic fashion.
True bands are a rarity in jazz these days, especially ones who hone their craft as consistently as this one does. For over a decade, the band held court thrice-weekly at Pops For Champagne in downtown Chicago. Beyond Chicago, the band has been extensively playing together throughout the US and Canada.
As sidemen, Joe Policastro (Pat and Debby Boone, Sheila Jordan, Phil Woods, Diane Schuur), Dave Miller (Clarice Assad, Patricia Barber, Algernon), and Mikel Avery (Joshua Abrams, Theaster Gates, Rob Mazurek) have shared the stage with a wide array of musicians but dedicate collectively to this trio. Whether highlighting the original music of its members, re-contextualizing modern music, or performing jazz classics of the likes of Thelonious Monk, Chico Hamilton, or Charles Lloyd, the trio readily displays its singular approach, sound, texture, and simultaneity.
“…a cohesive unit with an extraordinarily flexible mindset…at every step of the way, this band breathes and bends as one.” (Dan Billawsky, All About Jazz)
“Unpredictable and sometimes eccentric…each listen…reveals more surprises.” (Scott Yanow, JAZZIZ)
“Their deep understanding of each other and deft analysis of choice repertoire repays repeat and close listening.” (Michael Jackson, Downbeat)
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