I recently had the chance to sit down with Algorhythm Trio.  If you haven’t heard of these guys, they are quickly becoming one of Denver’s most adept modern guitar jazz trios.  The band blends funk, world, latin, blues and even rock into a fabulously delicious concoction of modern jazz that will delight your ears.  The setlist is constantly changing from night to night and the band is always doing something new to impress audiences.

Since the release of their latest album, A Glitch in the Matrix (May 2018), the band has been on the move.  Former bassist Tyson Ailshie has been replaced by veteran bassist Daniel Steelman, who hails from Chicago.  In addition to expanding their footprint across Colorado the guys have recently taken up a sort of residency at one of their favorite venues, Golden Moon Speakeasy located in Golden.  You can usually catch them there a couple times a month–if you go in the summertime the indoor/outdoor setting is quite nice!  The handcrafted cocktails are even better!

The group’s latest undertaking is a project that will feature twelve different jazz artists over the next year, 2019.  Each month the guys will highlight the works of a unique artist from the jazz lexicon–Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard, Miles, Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Soulive–to name a few.  Don’t expect to hear just the standard tunes either; the band is delving a little deeper into the respective catalogs to unearth music that usually goes unheard, and that most jazz groups simply don’t perform.  When is the last time you heard a trio performing “Gibraltar” or “Open Sesame” from Freddie Hubbard?  How about “Iris” or “Fee Fi Fo Fum” from Wayne Shorter?  I think you get the picture.

All in all, Denver is lucky to have these guys around.  They are bringing back creativity and originality into the Denver jazz scene, which has been primarily a space occupied by low energy groups that perform the same material, day in and day out.  The band’s live shows are always entertaining whether the listener focuses in on Shawn Mullen’s mastery of the drum kit, Dan Steelman’s solidarity and musicality on the bass, or guitarist Devon Kurzweil’s fierce jazz shredding a la Mike Stern, Frank Gambale & Mahavishnu.  Pan the camera back out and the synergy that the group achieves via these extraordinary players is amazing–these guys really are top notch.  Take note of the band’s schedule and make sure to put a date or two on your live music calendar soon.  You won’t be disappointed!