The Wynton Kelly Trio was a beacon of jazz excellence in the late 1950s and 1960s, highlighting the prodigious talents of pianist Wynton Kelly along with various line-ups featuring some of the most prominent jazz instrumentalists of the time. Wynton Kelly himself was renowned for his blues-inflected playing style and impeccable sense of rhythm, qualities that made him one of the most sought-after pianists in the jazz world. He served as a key member of Miles Davis's group before forming his own trio, which at different times included legendary figures such as bassist Paul Chambers and drummers Jimmy Cobb and Philly Joe Jones.

Despite the fluctuating lineup, the Wynton Kelly Trio was known for its energetic and swinging performances, which were brilliantly captured in recordings such as "Smokin' At The Half Note" (Expanded Edition), featuring the guitarist Wes Montgomery, and "Smokin' in Seattle" (Live at the Penthouse, 1966), which provided clear testimony to the trio's live prowess. Their body of work, including albums like "Kelly Blue" and "Undiluted," showcases the group's remarkable ability to blend soulful blues with intricate bop, resulting in a uniquely sophisticated yet accessible sound. The trio also served as a backing band for many other jazz luminaries, contributing to the era's collaborative spirit. The legacy of the Wynton Kelly Trio endures through their recordings, influencing generations of jazz musicians and enthusiasts.

Genres

Hard Bop

Jazz Trio

Related Artists

Bill Evans

Oscar Peterson

Bud Powell

Herbie Hancock

Thelonious Monk

Keith Jarrett

Red Garland

Chick Corea

Horace Silver

Tommy Flanagan

Chet Baker

Oscar Peterson Trio

Latest Release

Maximum Swing: The Unissued 1965 Half Note Recordings (Recorded Live at the Half Note)

Wes Montgomery•

Wynton Kelly Trio

Album - 17 Tracks - Released December 1, 2023