Equilateral...
… is comprised of Chris Merz (saxes), David Dunn (basses), Jonathan Mele, (drums) and Brent Sandy (trumpet).
Merz, Dunn, and Mele met in 1988 at the University of Massachusetts. They formed the group Full Contact, which won an award at Music Fest USA in 1989, as well as the Dave’s Other Place (Holyoke, Mass, now defunct) Combo Competition. For a couple of years they went their separate ways and in recent years have rekindled the magic of their earlier collaboration, consistently pushing the limits of group and solo improvisation.
Sandy was added to the group shortly before the recording of their last CD, “Also not pictured…” (x-Tet records), recorded in the summer of 2001. It is a creative exploration of all things solo, duo, trio and quartet. The ensemble has no chording instrument, giving freedom to their improvisations while allowing them to utilize forms, textures, and harmonies to their advantage. Also, they look really cool onstage.
“…Really vital trio playing doesn’t settle for the usual tactics, and requires nerve and agility. All three participants are constantly changing direction, shifting gears, maneuvering to avoid collisions. There is also a social component to it; one must sense when to defer to the other players, and when to insist on being heard. Perhaps equally important to the success of a trio is its repertoire. Songs written in the usual jazz vernacular just won’t do. In particular the writing needs to address the issue of counterpoint; jazz composition’s customary vertical harmonic moves tend to inhibit fluent, spontaneous interaction.
Equilateral clearly knows all this, and more. They’re all thoughtful, articulate players, but beyond that they’ve resolved to work together for the music. This music never sinks to rhetoric; the ingenious, intriguing writing insists that each of these excellent musicians search for fresh approaches to playing in the moment. This challenge is answered boldly. I strongly suggest you listen.”
Individually, the members of Equilateral have won many awards including: several DownBeat awards, Outstanding Soloist at MusicFest USA, outstanding soloist at the Notre Dame Jazz Festival, Punt Pass & Kick (third place), Best Costume, Beer Tasting (champion), and Best Camper.
The members of Equilateral have played with: Billy Taylor, Max Roach, Dave Brubeck, Phil Mattson, Darius Brubeck, Chris Brubeck, Danny Brubeck, Steve Swallow, Carla Bley, Sheila Jordan, Ernie Watts, Chris Vadala, Frank Sinatra Jr., Jeff Holmes Big Band, New England Jazz Ensemble, Sherman Irby, and David Sporny. They have performed at festivals including: Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland), Ozone Festival (Neuchatel, Switzerland), Iowa City (IA) Jazz Festival, Guiness Jazz Festival (Johannesburg, South Africa), Bright Moments Festival (Amherst, MA).
Equilateral have studied with: Dr. Yusef Lateef, Jeff Holmes, Ellery Eskelin, Peter Erskine, and Sal Macchia.
Jonathan Mele is a Yamaha performing artist and plays Sabian Cymbals and Grover Pro Percussion snares.
Brent Sandy is a United Musical Instruments performing artist.
