Trio

In 2004, three San Francisco Bay Area musicians created a rhythm section devoted to their own compositions and individualized arrangements of standards. After recording its studio demo in 2005, TRIO publically performed in clubs (i.e., Kelly’s, The Agenda, Pearl’s, Piedmont Piano Company, Savvy Wine Cellars), festivals (San Jose Jazz Festival with Pete Christlieb and Carl Saunders) , and other venues (San Jose Jazz Society with Bud Shank). TRIO’S debut cd, AMERICA: TRIO PLAYS THE MUSIC OF PAUL SIMON (FRP-DB4), was released in early 2008. FASCINATING RHYTHMS, the second CD, was released in 2011. JAZZ IMRESSIONS OF PEER GYNT was released in 2016.
Listen to PodCast of Stephen Marra and Bill Hedge interview with Trio from ApplauseCast, taped -September 2006.

MICKEY McPHILLIPS, acoustic bass, began his long musical career on accordion in grammar school. In high school, he switched to bass, began classical studies, and started playing gigs. He completed a B.A. in music from San Francisco State University, studying with Charles Siani. Mickey joined the Naval electronics school and, after a 2 year tour in Japan, returned to the Bay Area as house bassist at the hungry i (working with Barbra Streisand and Mel Torme). After a decade with the fusion band Solar Plexus, Mickey joined local symphonies. He currently plays a Wilfer Acoustic Bass.  Contact Mickey at glassfuz@pacbell.net.

ROB GIBSON, drums, has a wide range of musical experience from Top-40 bands to musical theatre, even touring with a circus. He has appeared at jazz festivals in Monterey and Reno. Rob has recorded with Brazilian pianist Claudio Madieros (with Pete Escovedo), French singer Laurent Fourgo, and European bassist Marten Ingle. Rob plays on Eric Muhler’s CD, LIVE AT THE JAZZSCHOOL. Rob has also performed with Bud Shank, Pete Christleib, Barry Finnerty, Kit Walker, The Coasters and Rich Little. In addition to TRIO, Rob is the drummer with the Jules Rowell Quintet featuring Mario Suraci on bass. Rob currently freelances in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Contact Rob at robgib@sbcglobal.net.

DENNY BERTHIAUME, piano, grew up outside Washington D.C. and Chicago. He is the only non-California native in the group although San Francisco is his home. He has performed with Bobby McFerrin, Diane Schuur, Joe Williams, and Ed Thigpen. He recorded 4 albums as co-leader of the successful fusion group Solar Plexus. He has appeared at jazz festivals in Monterey, the Russian River, San Jose, and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. He is a retired professor in literature and music at Foothill College in Los Altos, California, and a published playwright.  Contact Denny at www.dennyberthiaume.com.

Audio Files:

All the Things You Aren't

Dancing on the Ceiling

Out of My Dreams

Rain Forest

For bookings please call
415.333.2092  or e mail  dennyberth@comcast.net