“…One other piano trio, which you’ve almost certainly never heard of, shines even a little brighter. Tri-Fi is the quirkily named combo better known as the rhythm section behind the popular vocalist Curtis Stigers: drummer Keith Hall, bassist Phil Palombi, and pianist Matthew Fries. On A Tri-Fi Christmas, they cover plenty of the expected material (including five of the tunes on Marcus Roberts’ album, among them “Carol of the Bells” and “We Three Kings”). But Tri-Fi also include a couple genuine surprises – “In The Bleak Midwinter,” a balladic carol by the 20th-century classical composer Gustav Holst; and the obscure “I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day” (based on a poem by Longfellow). More important, this trio snaps and crackles like a fireplace full of well-seasoned Yule logs; their nicely honed interplay makes even these chestnuts sound fresh. Tri-Fi rides along on great arrangements, and pianist Fries’ uncluttered solo lines, to offer a new Christmas classic.”

Thanks Neil!

All About Jazz Review

Every Christmas there are volunteers sent to save us from the wrath of Burl Ives. They are called jazz musicians. Everyone loves a bit of schmaltzy music a few days before the holidays, but the only problem these days is that the holiday begins right after Halloween. Sixty days of grandma getting run over by a reindeer can make you suicidal.

This year’s finest jazz Christmas offering might just be by pianist Matthew Fries, bassist Phil Palombi and drummer Keith Hall. Known as Tri-Fi, this piano trio has released three previous titles, the last being aptly named 3 (Tri-Fi, 2010). It’s a sort of modern-day blue-collar band that has absorbed the history of the piano trio from Horace Silver and Ahmad Jamal to Jacky Terrasson and Aaron Goldberg.

When not performing acoustically, Tri-Fi backs vocalist Curtis Stigers. That certainly explains the ease in which the group interprets sing-a-long tunes like the fast-paced and swinging “Frosty The Snowman” and “Let It Snow,” where the trio reinvents Sammy Cahn’s lyric, playing it against the melody of Quincy Jones‘ “Killer Joe.” It is enough to make mommy giddy after kissin’ Santa Claus.

The band turns toward New Orleans on “Joy To The World,” with Hall delivering a natty drum shuffle. Fries is free to preach the piano gospel here, and also on “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” which ends with some hand claps and tambourine inspiration. The trio evokes memories of pianist Vince Guaraldi with “In The Bleak Of Winter.” Like Guaraldi’s Christmas music, the trio delivers a sparse, and tender offering. The highlight of the disc might be “We Three Kings,” performed as if imagined by pianist McCoy Tyner. The band draws from the sound of saxophonist John Coltrane‘s A Love Supreme (Impulse!, 1965), lifting the bandstand with the ferocity of Fries’ playing and Hall’s energetic return.

Reinterpretation is certainly one reason to turn to jazz musicians for their vision. But when a bassist like Palombi picks up his bow to deliver a straightforward and sincere version of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” there is little to do but get into the true spirit of the holidays.

“Tri-Fi is a terrific piano trio based out of New York City featuring Matthew Fries on piano, Phil Palombi on bass and Keith Hall on drums. And A Tri-Fi Christmas is one of the more surprising holiday records jazz fans will hear this season. The cover promises total schlock, but don’t be fooled. In the finest jazz tradition, this tight-knit trio turns tired chestnuts into launchpads of improvisation. On the menu are songs you’ve heard a million times, like “Frosty The Snowman,” “Joy To The World” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” done in amazingly tasteful, interesting ways.”

Thanks DownBeat!

We recorded at a great studio in NYC, and this new album is made up of entirely original compositions. It’s recorded with obsessive attention to sound quality and we all think it’s our best outing to date – and we hope you enjoy it! Give it a listen.