What happens when you combine a London-born saxophonist, an Israeli guitarist, and a drummer who also plays bass? You get Trio Grande—a modern jazz supergroup rewriting the rules of the trio format.

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steve Roby sits down with Will Vinson to explore the band's evolution from a Paul Motian-inspired vision to a bass-heavy (not bass-less!) powerhouse featuring the incomparable Nate Wood and guitarist Gilad Hekselman.

What You'll Hear:

The serendipitous origin story involving a late-night sit-in at NYC's Cornelius Street Cafe

How Nate Wood defies physics by playing drums and bass at the same time

The band's additive approach to arrangement and why they never chase a predetermined sound

Featured tracks: "Ministry of Love" from Urban Myth (2023) and "The Past", the first single from their upcoming album What's Left (June 2025)

A sneak peek at their intimate SF Jazz performances

All music presented in this episode was provided by the musician, with permission, and used for promotional purposes.

Show Details:

Trio Grande at SFJAZZ

Joe Henderson Lab

Wednesday, February 11

Two shows: 7:00 PM & 8:30 PM

Get Tickets:

https://www.sfjazz.org/tickets/productions/25-26/trio-grande/

Listen to Trio Grande:

https://triogrande-whirlwind.bandcamp.com/album/trio-grande

Backstage Bay Area brings you behind-the-scenes conversations with the artists shaping the Bay Area's vibrant music scene.