Joe Policastro Trio - Screen Sounds (2017)

Known for its eclectic taste and approach, the Joe Policastro Trio “makes the case that such musical hybridity is worth celebrating.” “Policastro…is a melody-minded bassist who prioritizes group cohesion over individual displays of virtuosity.” (Brian Zimmerman, Downbeat)

"Screen Sounds"( 2017), the third album by Chicago-based jazz group, the Joe Policastro Trio, is a collection of music from movies and TV reimagined by the band. The group is made up of bassist Joe Policastro, guitarist Dave Miller, and drummer Mikel Avery, fixtures of Chicago’s rich and diverse musical scene.

Bands are a rarity in jazz these days, especially ones who hone their craft as consistently as this one does. Their last album, "POPS!" (2016), was a collection of the trio’s re-workings of “pop” tunes, and a nod to Pops For Champagne, the famed Chicago nightclub where the trio continues its long-running, three-nights-a-week residency. Beyond Chicago, the band has been extensively playing together on the road having completed several tours having even performed for President Barack Obama.

" 'Screen Sounds' is an assemblage of movie and TV music that serves as both a personal soundtrack and a musical tapestry,” says Policastro. It is the result of countless hours of experimentation, performance, writing, arranging, and musical camaraderie. The personal nature of this band is present not only in their approach but in the diverse, unusual musical selections themselves.

The patience, time, energy, and commitment put forth by the band is evident from the downbeat of the opening track, the title theme from Kurosawa’s samurai epic, “Yojimbo.” Says Policastro, “We’ve repurposed these selections in a way that works for us blending each member’s unique voice into a unified sound while hopefully shedding new light on these musical touchstones.”

With TV music ranging from Taxi to The Young and the Restless and film music from Blade Runner to Midnight Cowboy, the Joe Policastro Trio continues to demonstrate that musical hybridity and group cohesion can happily coexist. Policastro notes, “Whenever we’ve done these selections, they definitely sound like us and only us, and for that we’re most proud.” Enjoy the show.