Joe Policastro Trio

Description

Hailed by Downbeat for its “deft analysis of choice repertoire,” and by the Chicago Reader for its “diversity of approaches to all kinds of source material,” the JOE POLICASTRO TRIO is a forward-thinking, Chicago-based jazz trio led by bassist Joe Policastro featuring guitarist Dave Miller and drummer Mikel Avery. While firmly rooted in jazz, the band’s open-minded, inclusive nature draws upon a wide array of musical styles and sources while still keeping the aesthetic of an acoustic trio intact.  Their most recent album, Nothing Here Belongs, focuses on the band's original music, whereas previous releases, West Side Story Suite (2013), POPS! (2016), and Screen Sounds (2017), highlighted the trio's ability to remake unlikely songs in its own raw, highly idiosyncratic fashion.  Beyond Chicago, the band has been extensively playing together throughout the US and Canada having even performed for President Barack Obama in October of 2016.

“…a cohesive unit with an extraordinarily flexible mindset…at every step of the way, this band breathes and bends as one.” (Dan Billawsky, All About Jazz)

“The trio have refined their layered blend of the familiar and faintly far out, playing three nights a week at Chicago’s Pops For Champagne and through extensive roadwork. Their deep understanding of each other and deft analysis of choice repertoire repays repeat and close listening.” (Michael Jackson, Downbeat)

Work Sample

Award-winning music video (Best Music Video, 2017 Windy City International Film Festival) of the Joe Policastro Trio performing the title theme from Akira Kurosawa's "Yojimbo" from their album of movie/TV music, "Screen Sounds" (released August 11, 2017)

"No Idea" - Original composition by Joe Policastro recorded at Hi-Style Studios for the fourth release by the Joe Policastro Trio, "Nothing Here Belongs" (2019).

Though the album focuses primarily on the band's original music, the opening track of "Nothing Here Belongs" (2019), the fourth album by the Joe Policastro Trio, is the band's spin on this Springsteen classic.

The works submitted show the breadth of music covered by the ensemble, and highlight both the individual and collective strengths of the band.  Additionally, these works are featured amongst the four albums the trio has released..

History

True bands are a rarity in jazz these days, especially ones who hone their craft as consistently as this one does. This trio has been extensively performing together for nearly a decade.  The group started as the house band at Pops For Champagne three nights per week. That opportunity allowed the band to develop its sound, repertoire, and approach.  From there, the band began to extensively tour the US and Canada having even performed for President Barack Obama in November of 2016.

Artistic Vision

Hailed by Downbeat for its “deft analysis of choice repertoire,” and by the Chicago Reader for its “diversity of approaches to all kinds of source material,” the JOE POLICASTRO TRIO is forward-thinking, Chicago-based jazz trio led by bassist Joe Policastro features guitarist Dave Miller and drummer Mikel Avery. While firmly rooted in jazz, the band’s open-minded, inclusive nature draws upon a wide array of musical styles and sources while still keeping the aesthetic of an acoustic trio intact. Whether highlighting the original music of its members, re-contextualizing modern music, or performing jazz classics of the likes of Thelonious Monk, Chico Hamilton, or Charles Lloyd, the trio readily displays its singular approach, sound, texture, and simultaneity.

Programs for Specific Audience(s) Expertise

We have themed-programs (music from film/TV, "West Side Story" suite, composer specific programs, etc.) that can be tailored towards a specific group, and we have extensively performed programs of this type.  Additionally, all of the members of the trio have vast experience in working with students from early education through college.