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Ten 27 is not your typical jazz trio by any standard. The instrumentation alone sets this gritty trio from the commonly heard jazz music of today. The electric cello is a bold addition to the jazz trio form. This instrument screams contemporary as well as adding an unusual color and texture to the group. Utilizing a staple of 1970s progressive jazz, the Fender Rhodes and Wurlitzer electric pianos are yet another interesting twist not expected at first listen. In the compositions, the combination of electric and acoustic pianos battle in a harmonic duel for balance and grace. All of these elements along with powerhouse Rhythm and Blues drum stylings, make for an aural vacation from the ordinary. The influences of traditional jazz, progressive jazz, R&B, classical, and gospel do not necessarily stand independently in the compositions. Rather, they blend together for an alarmingly fertile and sometimes entrancing sound. Michael Roach is a strong composer in his own right as is Monica Wilson-Roach. However, the most moving and engaging pieces spring from the synthesis of their collaboration. With the addition of Paul Borrello's' strong backbeat and intricate rhythmic patterns, tempered with the sensitivity of gospel drumming, the trio shines in its brightest light. Michael Roach received formal training in classical and popular piano as a youngster. He has performed in many venues playing Rock, Pop, Classical, Rhythm and Blues, Jazz, and has worked in many formats. Michael has performed at The Whitney Museum of American Art, Symphony Space, Black Rock Coalition Festival, Black Expo and abroad. Some local venues include: 9 Maple Avenue, Stephanie's, and the new Pearl (formerly known as the Steuben Club). Monica Wilson-Roach has been playing cello and bass for over twenty years. She was on faculty at the Juilliard School and has performed in the Texaco New York Jazz Festival, the Documenta X in Kessel, Germany, the Jazz and Bluesfest - Live from Wolftrap, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music performances of Donald Byrd's Jazztrain with Grammy Award winning artist Vernon Reid. The list of venues include: the Knitting Factory, Merkin Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center out-of-doors. Currently, she conducts string ensembles and occasionally plays with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Albany Symphony Orchestra, and the Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra. Paul Borrello has been playing music since the age of seven. He studied music at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, received an Associates degree from Schenectady College and received a Bachelors degree from Saint Rose. He is currently working towards a graduate degree in music at Saint Rose. He has played drums with many players regionally including jazz guitarists Peter Einhorn and Mark Dziuba at the Hartford Jazz Festival. He is currently working with the John Savage Band, the Lab Trio, Night Train, and Ten 27. Paul also performs on vibraphone and has studied with Ed Saindon from Berklee School of Music, Jay Hoggard from Wesleyan and pianist Dan Dobek. Presently, he teaches drums and mallets at Drome Sound Music Studios in Niskayuna, New York. |
