Esperanza Spalding Joins Nicholas Payton and Karriem Riggins on Long-Awaited Trio Album Triune
Multi-instrumentalist Nicholas Payton has released a new album called Triune that explores the trio format with two fellow visionaries: drummer Karriem Riggins and bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding. While improvised music often showcases an individual’s voice, Payton assembled the three-piece band to create solidarity.
“TRIUNE means ‘three in one,’ which is exactly how this trio functions,” Payton explains. “Each of us is a leader in our own right, but together we combine to form a unified sound.”
The group’s members first came together in a rhythm section that Payton put together for a 2010 quartet with pianist Taylor Eigsti. He explains that he’s been trying to reunite with them ever since, and now the planets have finally aligned.
“Karriem has the distinction of being not only one of the most accomplished and sought-after drummers in the straight-ahead scene, but also equally in demand as a beatmaker and producer,” Payton says of his bandmate. “Many try to straddle that fence, but no one does it as convincingly as Karriem. esperanza has always had an energy that elevates any situation she’s in. Whether it’s her presence on bass, vocals, or just her overall artistry, she radiates something that reaches people’s hearts in a way I’ve never seen before.”
The trio is also joined by guests Ivan Neville, Erica Falls, Nikki Glaspie, and Otis McDonald.
Spalding plays upright and electric on the album, which focuses on Black American Music with elements of funk and soul. Hear more about the project from Payton with some in-studio clips of the band.
Triune is available now digitally on Bandcamp, Apple Music, and Amazon Music). CD and vinyl editions will be shipping on November 7th.
Triune Track List:
- Unconditional Love
- Ultraviolet
- Jazz is a Four-Letter Word
- Let It Ride
- Gold Dust Black Magic
- #bamisforthechildren
- Feed the Fire
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
