The trio we formed is a staple jazz configuration: the jazz piano trio- with me on piano,
Herbie Rees on bass, and Henry Rugg on drums. We never actually decided to call our trio
the Joe English Trio, the organisers put it down as that and since then it stuck.
As individual musicians, we share a common experience that rings true for most jazz
musicians; we started firmly on a classical path, but through involving ourselves in jazz
groups in school and immersing ourselves in the music and history of jazz, we gradually
veered away from classical training.
Whilst we try to not outrightly copy any other jazz trio or their sound, invariably we are
influenced by our favourite musicians; everyone from Herbie Hancock to Kenny Wheeler.
We try and meet up at least once a month to perfect a set list for an upcoming gig. Some of
Henry’s biggest influences are: Marcus Gilmore, Gregory Hutchinson, Billy Higgins. Some of
Joe’s biggest influences are: Mccoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock and Christian Sands. Some of
Herbie’s biggest influences are: Steve Swallow, Janek Gwizdala, Ron Carter and Pat
Metheny.
The trio came together through a mutual connection with Joe English. Henry and I met
through the Junior Jazz Programme at the Guildhall, while I met Herbie through the
Guildhall Summer Jazz Course.
In our last gig we added guitar and tenor sax into the mix which broadened our tonal
palette. Our set was varied containing standards, modern swing tunes and funky tunes. Our
next gig at Hitchin Boys school and we’ll be playing a mega 2-setter so come along!