Zoo Too Trio Announces Debut Album – Poetry Legroom – Out Now on Shifting Paradigm Records
Offering a Bold and Expansive Take on the Jazz Trio Format Featuring Michael Cain, Keith Price, and Pheeroan akLaff
Zoo Too Trio, a dynamic new jazz ensemble featuring pianist Michael Cain, guitarist Keith Price, and drummer Pheeroan akLaff, is set to release its debut album, Poetry Legroom, on May 16, 2025, via Shifting Paradigm Records. The album reimagines the traditional jazz trio, blending contemporary jazz with elements of pop, electronic, and cinematic soundscapes, resulting in a sound that is both innovative and deeply expressive.
Michael Cain, a pianist and composer known for his groundbreaking work at the intersection of jazz, classical, and electronic music, provides the harmonic foundation of the trio. With a career spanning decades, including collaborations with Jack DeJohnette, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Ravi Coltrane, as well as critically acclaimed releases like Circa on ECM, Cain’s fluid improvisation and sophisticated textures drive the group’s unique approach.
On drums, Pheeroan akLaff brings his unparalleled rhythmic vision to the trio. A vital force in contemporary jazz, akLaff has worked with pioneers such as Cecil Taylor, Henry Threadgill, and Anthony Braxton, shaping the pulse of avant-garde music. His dynamic drumming—both deeply rooted in tradition and constantly evolving—fuels the trio’s sound with an unmatched energy.
Keith Price, a Canadian-born guitarist and composer currently based in New Zealand, adds an adventurous harmonic and textural sensibility. As an educator at Auckland University, Price has cultivated a distinctive style influenced by jazz, folk, and experimental music. His lyrical, atmospheric playing provides a striking counterpoint to Cain’s piano and akLaff’s percussive power.
The origins of Zoo Too Trio trace back to Cain’s deep connection with akLaff in New York’s jazz scene, with Price later joining to complete the trio’s distinctive lineup. “We wanted to explore the sonic possibilities of this specific instrumentation and personnel,” says Cain. “Each of us brings a different musical background, yet we share overlapping sensibilities. We knew we could create something truly unique together.”
Poetry Legroom showcases compositions from all three members, ranging from the evocative atmospheres of “Winter Fog Morning” and “Waxing Gibbous” to the rhythmic drive of “Alligator Kangaroo” and the lyrical elegance of “Waltz for Gwen” (written by Ron Blake). Across nine tracks, the trio expands the boundaries of contemporary jazz, offering an album that is both exploratory and deeply engaging.
Produced and mixed by Michael Cain, Poetry Legroom was recorded in Brooklyn, NY, and embraces a bold, open-ended approach to the jazz trio format. The absence of a bassist allows for fresh harmonic and rhythmic possibilities, creating an interplay that is seamless and adventurous. The result is an album that challenges expectations while remaining accessible and emotionally resonant.
With its rich textures, fearless improvisation, and genre-defying spirit, Poetry Legroom marks the arrival of a trio that is poised to make a significant impact on the modern jazz landscape.