Larry Goldings Trio

Biography

Larry Goldings, born August 28, 1968 in Boston, Massachusetts, is a Grammy-nominated American jazz pianist, organist, and composer celebrated for his innovative work in jazz and beyond[1][2][9]. Originally trained as a pianist, Goldings was deeply influenced by the expressive communication of jazz trios, which inspired him to form his own group. His early years saw him drawn to the piano, but a pivotal moment came when he began playing the Hammond B-3 organ during gigs in New York, eventually leading to the formation of his acclaimed trio[2][4].

The Larry Goldings Trio, most notably featuring guitarist Peter Bernstein and drummer Bill Stewart, emerged in the early 1990s and quickly gained recognition for their synergistic interplay and thoughtful approach to jazz standards and original compositions[1][3][4][6]. Their debut album, 'Intimacy of the Blues' (1991), marked the beginning of a partnership that has lasted over three decades, with the trio hailed by The New York Times as 'the best organ trio of the last decade'[3][6]. Goldings' style blends elements of jazz, funk, and soul, characterized by subtlety, groove, and a deep sense of musical conversation among the trio members.

Beyond his trio, Goldings has worked extensively as a sideman and collaborator, recording and touring with artists such as James Taylor, John Scofield, and Jack DeJohnette[3][4][10]. His legacy is defined by his versatility, inventive arrangements, and his role in revitalizing the organ trio format for contemporary audiences. The trio's influence extends through their numerous recordings and live performances, which continue to set a high standard in modern jazz.

Fun Facts

• The Goldings/Bernstein/Stewart trio was described by The New York Times as 'the best organ trio of the last decade'[3][6].
• Goldings began playing organ out of necessity when a New York club lacked a piano, leading to his signature sound[4].
• He is a featured musician on James Taylor's 'One Man Band' CD/DVD, the result of a two-year worldwide tour[3].
• Goldings is known for his humor on stage, once joking that his trio's name 'sounds like a law firm'[4].

Members

• Peter Bernstein
• Larry Goldings
• Bill Stewart

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Fred Hersch - Goldings studied piano with Hersch, who shaped his harmonic and improvisational approach (Private study) [Late 1980s]
• Jaki Byard - Goldings studied with Byard at the New School, absorbing his eclectic style (Private study) [Late 1980s]

Key Collaborators

• Peter Bernstein - Longtime trio guitarist, co-leader in Goldings/Bernstein/Stewart (Intimacy of the Blues, Light Blue, Ramshackle Serenade, Toy Tunes) [1991–present]
• Bill Stewart - Trio drummer, known for melodic and polyrhythmic playing (Intimacy of the Blues, Light Blue, Ramshackle Serenade, Toy Tunes) [1991–present]
• James Taylor - Touring and recording keyboardist (One Man Band CD/DVD) [2001–present]
• John Scofield - Trio Beyond project, collaborative albums (Saudades (ECM)) [2004–2007]
• Jack DeJohnette - Trio Beyond project (Saudades (ECM)) [2004–2007]

Artists Influenced

• Sam Yahel - Inspired by Goldings' organ style and trio format (Yahel's trio recordings) [2000s–present]
• Larry Goldings' students at masterclasses - Goldings has taught and mentored young jazz organists and pianists (Various workshops) [2000s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Puttin' On the Ritz (Light Blue)
2. Little Green Men (Light Blue)
3. You're Looking At Me (Light Blue)
4. Berkshire Blues (Light Blue)
5. All Too Soon (Light Blue)
6. Valse Hot (Light Blue)
7. Laugh, Clown, Laugh (Light Blue)
8. Will You Still Be Mine¿ (Light Blue)
9. Crawdaddy (Moonbird)
10. Here, There and Everywhere (Light Blue)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #jazz