Three Visitors

Three Visitors conjures ephemerality, the idea that we are all temporarily in this physical realm and that we can visit other equally transient realms through art and music. In this time and space, with improvisation as the constant, the three of us come together to visit and explore multiple currents and influences that are passing through us.

You could say that we visit each other’s mind-streams as we explore our compositions. On this album we visit many places, places we enjoy or that bring up vivid memories or feelings - The Thicket, Far Rockaway come to mind. We allow for others like Becca, Rogerio and Chris, to visit temporarily as we explore other styles and inclinations.

These Three Visitors, who have played with each other in numerous configurations, decided to form this special gathering – their sensitivity to each other’s voice as well as the silence they choose to share as their own participation in the listening process.

Scott Colley originated in Los Angeles, California and at age 13, began studying with bassist Monty Budwig. As the recipient of a full scholarship at CalArts, Scott was able to continue his studies with Charlie Haden and the classical bassist Fred Tinsley. Before graduating college, Scott began touring with Carmen McRae, which led him to performing with Dizzy Gillespie, Clifford Jordan, Joe Henderson and Art Farmer. After moving to New York City in 1988, Scott continued playing with artists such as Jim Hall, Andrew Hill, Herbie Hancock, John Scofield, Joshua Redman, Chris Potter, Gary Burton, and many others.

Edward Simon, a native of Venezuela, has established himself as a distinguished jazz improviser, composer-arranger, and band leader over decades in America. Renowned for blending jazz with Latin American folkloric sounds, Simon’s profile has risen in recent years. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, he is the longest-serving member of the all-star SFJAZZ Collective and has received prestigious accolades such as the Guggenheim Fellowship and multiple composition grants from Chamber Music America’s New Jazz Works program. He has played with prominent artists such as Bobby Watson,

Terence Blanchard, Paquito D’Rivera, Dianne Reeves and Bobby Hutcherson.

Brian Blade was born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1970. The first music he experienced was the Gospel and songs of praise at the Zion Baptist Church where his father, Brady L. Blade, Sr., has been the pastor since 1961. He has played and recorded with Wayne Shorter, Daniel Lanois, Joni Mitchell, Kenny Garrett, Ellis Marsalis, Chick Corea, Marianne Faithfull, Norah Jones, Emmylou Harris and Bob Dylan. In 1997, Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band was formed with pianist Jon Cowherd and the band has recorded seven albums.

Photo: Tim Ortlieb