Audiophile Audition

“an investigative vehicle which shakes with energy . . . inventive jazz which works on its ownmerits while retaining Bowie’s spirit and self- assurance..” – Doug Simpson Audiophile Audition read full article here

 

Boston Globe

” . . . infectious . . . raucous . . . More, please.”. – Steve Greenlee Boston Globe read full article here

 

Offbeat

“The trio approaches Bowie’s catalogue with seriousness; unlike some tracks by jazz-band-on-rock the Bad Plus, there’s no sense that the Wee Trio’s riding the novelty of the enterprise” –Alex Rawls Offbeat read full article here

 

Digital Jazz News

“The Future of Modern Jazz! ”  Critical Jazz read full article here

 

DownBeat

“The members of the Wee Trio are chameleons in every sense of the word. Like the subject of their latest venture, Ashes to Ashes: A David Bowie Intraspective, the trio’s ability to shapeshift musically, and adapt to an arsenal of individual influences, is what helped group blend sosuccinctly . . .”

 

Time Out Chicago

“pop hits with postbop aplomb.”

 

ICON

“A sonic playground that’s grounded with dazzling teamplay . . . manically fun”

 

The Sante Fe New Mexican – Pasatiempo

” . . . what a fun trip it is. The Wee Trio’s work here is nothing, if not engaging.”

 

AllAboutJazz.com

“Indeed, a hugely entertaining album encompassing an uncanny mix of Bowie’s pop sensibilities with upbeat progressive jazz stylizations and adroitly executed dialogues.”

 

The Patriot Ledger

“Even among the inventive ranks of jazz musicians, the Wee Trio is a group of iconoclasts. The trio loves to play a style of music with bigger dynamics than most rock, more groove than a lot of modern soul, and certainly more excitement and accessibility than a lot of contemporary jazz . . .The Wee Trio’s music moves and grooves, thunders and crashes, and caresses delicate
nuances of melody too.”

 

State of Mind

“Ashes to Ashes is the best kind of tribute disc: Rooted in respect, fueled by inspiration, and allowing the tribute-makers to put their own indelible mark on the music”

 

The Democrat and Chronicle

“The music makes a wonderful jumping-off point for these inventive musicians . . . a take-no-prisoners romp“

 

eMusic

” . . . some thrilling directions. Nifty recording, and one I hope that inspires other jazz outfits to do the same.”

 

Straight No Chaser 

“For immediate enjoyment, check out The Wee Trio’s new release Ashes to Ashes – A David Bowie Intraspective . . . an enjoyable piece of work from a talented up and coming trio.”

 

The Philadelphia Inquirer

“Moments of majesty”

 

The Indianapolis Star

“Exquisite interpretations of the familiar-sounding but otherworldly Bowie compositions.”

 

The Chicago Reader

“tension and interest with an unpredictable flow—a kind of hot-potato game in which the members take center stage by turns, constantly shifting the intensity and density and taking the occasional succinct solo. The familiarity of the melodies makes it easy to hear how inventively the group transforms the songs”

 

Step Tempest

“Even if you are not a fan of David Bowie’s music, The Wee Trio’s exuberance and intelligent arrangements should please fans of creative music.  Plus, the group really knows how to ‘rock out!”

 

The San Antonio Express News

“the Wee Trio’s third album, ‘Ashes to Ashes: A David Bowie Intraspective’ (Bionic Records), will simply knock you out. It’s rare when an experimental jazz record makes one smile this much.”

 

Examiner.com

“a big, bright persona. They stay true to the Bowie tunes (including the glam-rock
chameleon’s “Battle For Britain” and “1984”). But they find melodic grist for improvisation within them, proving that stripped of their wilder trappings, these remnants of Ziggy’s Stardust actually have plenty of tuneful charm.”

 

Something Else!

“confidently, memorably, brilliantly exploratory – both familiar and something that stands all on its own”

Press Release

Roughly one year ago, guitarist Cliff Hines brought together a cadre of New Orleans’ finest musicians to perform the music of David Bowie. Among those assembled was James Westfall, vibraphonist/composer and one third of The Wee Trio. This idea of performing Bowie’s music coincided with the groundwork for the band’s third album. What followed was the recording of Ashes To Ashes – A David Bowie Intraspective, a deep exploration into the eclectic icon’s music, and the band’s follow up to their first two critically acclaimed albums, Capitol Diner Vol. 1, and Capitol Diner Vol. 2 Animal Style.

After these two powerhouse albums, comprised of mostly original material (plus Nirvana’s “About a Girl”, Aphex Twin’s “Avril 14” and Sufjan Stevens’ “Flint”), it became clear that the band was eager to lace their many Wee Trio-isms into the works of an outside composer. With Westfall being no stranger to Bowie’s music, and bassist Dan Loomis and drummer Jared Schonig quickly realizing the treasure trove they had found in the thin white duke’s work, the trio dove headfirst into his vast, diverse repertoire to select six songs that span Bowie’s musical universe: “Battle For Britain”, “Queen Bitch”, “The Man Who Sold The Earth”, “Ashes to Ashes”, “1984”

“We went through long list of composers, and in the end, David Bowie represented the biggest range of musical possibilities.  Going from folk to rock to glam to art soundscape to electronica, he has covered more aesthetic ground than perhaps any other pop artist.  Jazz being the aesthetically voracious art form that it is (and one that is given to perpetual hybridizing of styles just as Bowie was), we saw that Bowie’s music gave us that best chance to represent all the sides of our sound as a band,” explained Loomis.

For David Bowie fans and jazz fans alike, Ashes To Ashes will exceed your expectations. The Wee Trio manages to reimagine Bowie’s music while staying true to its spirit and energy. They simultaneously show their talent as jazz musicians while performing the music from the perspective of true Bowie fans. The Wee Trio also managed to showcase the versatility of Bowie’s compositions and how amazingly well they transferred into a new medium. Simply put, they breathe new life into these timeless Bowie classics.

Hailed by critics as “the ambassadors of the genre’s future,” praised for “stirring up jazz you don’t have to be old to enjoy,” and credited for delivering “lightning in a bottle,” The Wee Trio, featuring James Westfall (vibes), Dan Loomis (bass) and Jared Schonig (drums), exploded onto the scene in 2008 with their debut CD, Capitol Diner, Vol. 1 (which brilliantly captured the energy, eclecticism and excellence of the band’s birthplace, Brooklyn, NY). In March, 2010 the Trio released the much-anticipated follow up recording, Capitol Diner Vol. 2 Animal Style, an album that was recorded at the famous Piety Street Studios in New Orleans (studio of choice for Dave Mathews Band, Cassandra Wilson, Harry Connick Jr., etc), but was built on the road in California during the band’s tour in support of Vol. 1.

From the “oak tree thick bass” (AAJ NY) of Dan Loomis, the “explosiveness” and “fervent audacity” (AllAboutJazz) of Jared Schonig’s drumming to the “fresh excitement” (Icon) and “ultra-chill” (The Boston Herald) of James Westfall’s vibes, the band has an instantly identifiable sound, and the group’s prodigious rapport becomes more prevalent with each recording. Throughout their recorded work The Wee Trio is vigorous and sublime, and in performance the high energy, joy, anticipation and venturesome spirit of the group envelops the audience.

While rooted in jazz The Wee Trio finds ways to break boundaries encompassing their other roots in rock and fusion. Each member is a leader in their own right, but together as The Wee Trio, Westfall, Loomis and Schonig represent one of the highly creative groups pushing jazz and improvised music in exciting and innovative new directions. They now offer their latest creative tour-de-force, Ashes To Ashes – A David Bowie Intraspective.