Over the next few months, I have some shows with rhythm sections that are comprised of just bass, and drums. I’ve been composing a ton, and I’m excited to be able to share that music in the near future.

In March, Marc Decho and I will have a trio show. I’m excited to explore the combination of woodwinds, electric bass, and drums.

I have put together a quartet with Ed Lister, Sage Reynolds, and Mike Essoudry, which was supposed to debut in January. Unfortunately, I had to be out of town unexpectedly, but we’ve been able to push the date to May.

Here are a few recordings with bass-drums rhythms sections that are on my listening list right now.

Kings County – Way North (2015)

This recording always makes me smile. I love the melodies, and the group’s ability to connect with each other. I really love all three of Way North’s recordings, and with each of the recordings, the music gets deeper, and deeper. Check them out on Bandcamp!

Two Of Clubs – Broadview (2011)

I remember hearing this recording for the first time, and fell in love with the sound. I’ve been telling Marc Decho that I’ve wanted to do a project like this for a while, and it’s finally happening! Rich Brown has so much range on this recording – whether he’s laying down the bass line, playing chords, or soloing…it’s always inventive. There’s so much room for everybody to stretch out, it’s another fun, and engaging recording.

Damaged In Transit – Steve Swallow (2003)

The ideas are flowing free on this one! I would have loved to catch this group live! To me, the whole recording feeling kind of through-composed. Every piece seems to flow into the next very logically. Another electric bass, tenor sax, and drums recording, I feel that there’s such a different tonal palette with the electric bass, which allows the music to float a little more. I really enjoy this period in Chris Potter’s playing as well (it’s when I started getting into him).

I know that there are more “classic” saxophone-bass-drums recordings, and that’ll be a list for another week.

Are there saxophone-bass-drums recordings that catch your ear?