Alec Taylor Trio: The Modern Jazz Powerhouse
The Alec Taylor Trio is a dynamic contemporary jazz ensemble from the United States known for its intricate compositions and explosive live performances. The group's 2018 album Urban Echoes broke into the Billboard Jazz Albums chart, cementing their status as a formidable new voice in the genre.
Early career
Pianist and composer Alec Taylor formed the trio in New York City in 2012, bringing together bassist Marcus Reed and drummer Carlos Velez. Their early years were spent honing a distinctive sound in Greenwich Village clubs, leading to a self-released debut EP, First Light, in 2014. This independent release caught the attention of the boutique jazz label Blue Canvas Records, which signed the trio the following year.
Breakthrough
The Alec Taylor Trio's major breakthrough arrived in 2018 with their sophomore studio album, Urban Echoes. Released on Blue Canvas Records, the album debuted at number 12 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart and remained in the top 20 for seven consecutive weeks. The lead single's placement on several prominent jazz streaming playlists drove significant digital sales and critical acclaim.
Key tracks
Brooklyn Bounce — This high-energy opener from Urban Echoes became a signature setlist staple and a frequent choice for jazz radio programming.
Late Night Walk — The trio's most streamed track showcases their mastery of mood and space, blending melodic piano with a hypnotic rhythm section.
Convergence — Featuring guest saxophonist Sofia Rivera, this collaborative track highlighted the trio's ability to expand their sound while maintaining core chemistry.
Gridlock — A complex, rhythmically driving composition that demonstrates the technical prowess and tight interplay between all three members.
The success of Urban Echoes led to extensive national touring and a main stage slot at the Newport Jazz Festival in 2019. Their third album, 2021's Resonant City, saw them experimenting with electronic textures while staying rooted in acoustic jazz tradition, and it charted in several European countries. The Alec Taylor Trio has since collaborated with artists like vocalist Lianne La Havas and have been featured on recordings for the prestigious ECM label as sidemen.
Fans of the intricate piano work of Robert Glasper will appreciate the trio's modern harmonic approach. The group's rhythmic dynamism echoes the style of The Bad Plus. Listeners who enjoy the compositional depth of GoGo Penguin will find common ground in the Alec Taylor Trio's catalog. Their connection to the classic piano trio tradition is also evident, sharing lineage with the work of Bill Evans.
The music of the Alec Taylor Trio is a fixture on contemporary jazz and eclectic FM stations, as well as numerous online jazz radio streams. Independent music radio stations frequently feature their tracks in rotation, recognizing their appeal to both traditional jazz audiences and new listeners.
You can hear the innovative sound of the Alec Taylor Trio on radio stations featured right here. Explore and listen to their catalog through the contemporary jazz and specialty music stations available on onairium.com.
