Denver Jazz Fest Presents: Fred Hersch Trio

“…One of the major ensembles of our times.” — The Wall Street Journal

Fred Hersch is widely revered as one of jazz’s most significant voices — a seventeen-time Grammy nominee, hailed as “a living legend,” and one of the most arrestingly innovative pianists of his generation. His artistry is defined by his lyrical intensity, rich harmonic language, and profound emotional depth, evident not just in his playing but in his striking compositions.

The enduring strength of this trio lies in their immense common experience and the sensitivity of its members. Hersch, bassist Drew Gress, and drummer Joey Baron have been deeply intertwined collaborators for decades. This shared history allows for an intuitive, conversational interplay that transcends typical rhythm section roles.

Drew Gress’s double bass provides a resonant, woody foundation, his notes often acting as lyrical counter-melodies rather than simple support. Joey Baron’s drumming is a masterclass in subtlety and dynamic nuance, utilizing brushwork and inventive rhythmic figures that color and enhance Hersch’s phrasing without ever dominating. The result is music of understated elegance, clarity of communication, and deep mutual trust — a living embodiment of mastery in the art of the piano trio.

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