Dave Palmer, Reggie Hamilton & Joey Waronker Unite for Bold Jazz Trio Debut

The Dave Palmer Trio is a meeting of three world-class musicians with roots stretching from Philadelphia to Los Angeles. Pianist and composer Dave Palmer is joined by renowned bassist Reggie Hamilton and acclaimed drummer Joey Waronker, uniting decades of collective experience into a singular vision of swing-oriented, composition-driven jazz. In June 2024, Palmer reached out to the players he most wanted for the project, and within a month they were in Hollywood’s Boulevard Recording, tracking on a vintage Bechstein piano that set the tone for their debut. The sessions were produced by CMG partners Niko Bolas and David Resnik.

Their forthcoming album presents an elegant and deeply considered collection of original jazz trio compositions, written specifically for this lineup. Inspired by the craftsmanship of Duke Ellington and Ahmad Jamal, Palmer emphasizes songs as much as performance, prioritizing swing, structure, and refinement over flash. The project is meant as both a statement of purpose and a starting point, “the beginning of an evolution of sound,” as Palmer describes it, laying the groundwork for what promises to be an enduring collaboration.

One of the tracks, “Duke’s Blues” captures this ethos in full. Accompanied by a striking black-and-white video directed by acclaimed filmmaker David Slade (Hard Candy, 30 Days of Night, Breaking Bad, Black Mirror), the visuals feature a surreal collage of AI-generated dog clips. It’s a fitting reflection of the trio’s artistry: playful yet sophisticated, rooted in tradition but unafraid of the strange and modern.

While the album marks the trio’s first release, the members are far from newcomers. Palmer’s career spans work with Air, Fiona Apple, Fleetwood Mac, and Tegan and Sara, among many others. Hamilton’s bass has anchored performances for icons like Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, and Mariah Carey. Waronker, a drummer of rare versatility, has been heard with Beck, R.E.M., Roger Waters, and is currently touring with Oasis on their Live ’25 Tour. Together, they channel decades of collective experience into a fresh vision of what a modern jazz trio can be.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By LPR Agency

Dave Palmer Trio’s new album is out now.

Listen Here: https://open.spotify.com/album/0cMDrQR4P2mcYm8rhiEfuD?si=4nua4tjHReO1AjasibEe3g&nd=1&dlsi=1e3c7ac0ae0246a4

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