What Once Was… is the second release from acclaimed jazz ensemble Trio Reenactment. The recording explores an eclectic mix of sounds, including soul, rock and straight-ahead jazz. Formed in 2008 by John Barron (bass), Sven Anderson (keyboards) and Rob Emanuel (drums), the Detroit-area trio performs original music and clever arrangements of pop standards. Their debut, self-titled disc received rave reviews and national airplay. Full bio and sound samples can be found at trioreenactment.com
Band Bio
Sven Anderson - piano
Sven Anderson is a pianist specializing in jazz, but well versed in many styles, including funk, fusion, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, Broadway shows and pop. His original compositions and arrangements have enhanced many recordings or performances. Adding to his arsenal of sound, is his soulful nylon string guitar playing of Brazilian music. He has served as musical director for the legendary Jimmy Scott and has performed with Earl Klugh, Cindy Blackman, Franz Jackson, Marcus Belgrave, J.C. Heard, Paul Keller, Larry Nozero, Tom Saunders, Charlie Gabriel and Ernie Krivda. He has headlined at the Ottawa Jazz Festival and Washington Street Jazz Festival. Sven has a M.M. in composition and was the first student at Oakland University to win for an original piano concerto. He has studied with David Sporney, Marvin “Doc” Holliday and Dr. Billy Taylor. He has had master classes with renowned composers Aaron Copland, George Crum and Virgil Thomson.
John Barron - upright bass
Canadian born bassist/guitarist John Barron has been performing professionally for over twenty years. He has appeared on numerous recordings as a bassist and guitarist, including CD’s by vocalist Odessa Harris, award winning Latin jazz group Tumbao Bravo, jazz pianist Mark Thibodeau and two releases under his own name.
John has performed with numerous artists in a variety of musical genres. Performance highlights include concerts throughout the U.S., Europe and the Caribbean with Grammy nominated soul diva Bettye Lavette and throughout the U.S. with Motown legends The Contours. John has a M.M. from Oakland University, has had articles published on jazz education and previously served on the jazz faculty at the University of Windsor.
Rob Emanuel - drums
Rob Emanuel has been slugging it out on the Detroit music scene for nearly three decades playing gigs and sessions in every imaginable style. His passion for music and drumming was fueled by study with drummers such as Carmine Appice, Joe Morello, Ed Shaughnessy, Ed Soph, Efrain Toro, Ralph Humphrey and Steve Houghton.
Rob has appeared on many recording as a sideman and has two records out as a leader: The critically acclaimed 1994 release Mystery Manual and his most recent, Cold Strange which features Grammy Award winning reedman Bob Mintzer and piano innovator Uri Caine.
Press Quotes:
Reviews of What Once Was...:
“a piano trio set filled with catchy hooks, engaging can't-get-'em-outta-your-head melodies, a bunch of soul and funk, and some fine mainstream jazz tunes. What Once Was... showcases a versatile trio in a highly engaging set of sounds.” -Dan McClenaghan (AAJ)
“With the plethora of trio albums flooding the landscape of jazz these days, it is indeed a pleasure to sample a piece of work that, in some ways, one might consider, a stylish piece of art. What Once Was... is now, without a doubt, an audacious musical statement...highly recommended.” -Edward Blanco (ejazznews.com)
Review of Trio Reenactment:
“Relentless” features Barron laying down an ominous foundation behind a flashy (in the best sense of the word) piano/drums energy. “James” trips in on a light island rhythm, and “John's Big Feet” wears some quirky yet soulful dancing shoes. “Move It Along” does just what the title indicates, with a mainstream fluid momentum. Trio Reenactment proves itself a fine and distinctive piano trio affair. -Dan McClenaghan (AAJ)
