MOM: RBG Trio.

about

Formed in 2019, The RBG Trio is a collective of 3 of Ireland’s leading jazz artists – Meilana Gillard (tenor saxophone), Dave Redmond (bass), and Kevin Brady (drums).

Renowned for their tight interplay and incredible storytelling, the band have carved out a ‘must see’ reputation. With blues always in their foundation, the trios sound ranges from pre- to post-bop, soulful to grunge, free to swinging.

The trio’s repertoire ranges from the traditional saxophone trio canons of Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson, to more contemporary and improvised output. It is an approach where free-form exploration rubs shoulders with reimagined music from the like of Nirvana and Soundgarden.

Ultimately, nothing is off limits. It is a band led by tunes – mainstream or lesser known, self-penned or reinterpreted, traditional or contemporary. If it works, it works.   

Additionally, each member of The RBG Trio composes for the band, which lends to the trio’s diverse output and constant surprise.  

The trio will launch their first full length album as part of this Moving on Music tour with support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

REVIEWS

“catchy melodies opening out into full-bloodied collective improvisation rooted by solid swinging grooves”

Jazzwise

“Rhythmically grooving and tightly tethered one moment, loose and exploratory the next, RBG Trio’s aesthetic was both familiar in a rootsy way and thrillingly free-spirited.”

All About Jazz

Bottom of Form

“…a smoking tenor solo of economy and power from Gillard, followed by an exceptional solo from Redmond.”

All About Jazz

On Meilana Gillard:

“Gillard is a gutsy, inventive player with a forceful melodic sense and an open, old-school tenor sound… Gillard’s full-throated contribution to the saxophone trio canon is as charming as it is courageous.”

Irish Times

“A tenor player who marries old school, blues-based melodicism with a more modern edge…a big, seductive sound, exciting without ever resorting to theatrics or showboating.”

All About Jazz

On Kevin Brady:

“Brady is an impressive drummer with strong chops, impeccable taste, creative & most notably, terrific tone”

All About Jazz

On Dave Redmond:

“Redmond’s earthy bass shines forth beautifully from the spare arrangements.”

All About Jazz