Oscar Peterson redefined the jazz trio by bringing the musicianship of all three members to the highest level with each member an equal contributor embodying the Aristotelian idea of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. And carrying on that the tradition is The Art D'echo Trio a piano trio formed in 2012 by David Gleason (piano) Mike Lawrence (bass) and Pete Sweeney (drums) dedicated to performing music in the style of the great historic jazz piano trios, like the great swinging trio of Oscar Peterson and the egalitarianism of the Bill Evans trio. As Gerard Cox writes, “...the jazz piano trio has been said at times to represent the essence of jazz in the most condensed yet effective way possible. A piano trio takes full advantage of swing, interaction, and dynamics.” And this is true of The Art D'echo Trio, whether playing sophisticated, hard-swinging classic jazz arrangements or grooving on a Latin jazz tune, the interplay between these long-time collaborators and master musicians defines the group.

David Gleason, is a music educator, pianist and composer living in New York's Capital Region. He received an M.A. from Tufts University where he studied ethnomusicology and composition. He has researched folk and popular music in Puerto Rico and Cuba and is a contributing ethnomusicologist to the Museo Del Barrio’s permanent collection online. As a jazz and Latin pianist, he has performed with ensembles such as RumbaNaMa, The Boston Latin Band, The Either/Orchestra, Bopitude, The Big Soul Ensemble, and The Empire Jazz Orchestra. He has also performed with Lee Konitz, Laurel Masse, Fred Wesley, Gary Smulyan, Danilo Perez, Rufus Reid, Antonio Hart, John Fedchock and others. He also lead the critically acclaimed Latin jazz ensemble Sensemayá and recorded two albums “Shake It!” in 2010, and La Madrugada Habanera/Havana Before Dawn in 2011. Mr. Gleason studied music education and jazz studies at the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, New York. He has taught at the John Sayles School
of Fine Arts Schenectady Community College, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. David Gleason is also the author of Alfred Publishing’s "The Total Blues Keyboardist."

Mike Lawrence, is a Capital Region bassist and educator. He has recorded with the Gary McFarland Legacy Ensemble alongside Joe Locke, Sharel Cassity, Bruce Barth and Michael Benedict on the album "Circulation: The Music of Gary McFarland" (one of NPR’s Best Jazz Albums of 2015). He has also recorded with Michael Benedict's Bopitude on "Five and One" featuring Gary Smulyan. Mr. Lawrence has performed live in concert with with Gary Smulyan, Chris Pasin, Brian Patneaude, Harry Allen, Paul Meyers, Dick Oatts, Sharel Cassity, Steve Nelson, Gene Bertoncini, Claire Daly, Bruce Johnstone, Richard Lanham, Jeanne O'Connor, Keith Pray, Chuck Lamb, Mark Vinci, Jerry Weldon, Ray Vega, Wycliffe Gordon, Blue Lou Marini, Sonny Turner's Platters, Bobby Rydell, Tas Cru, and Charlie Smith Blues Band among many others. Mike teaches orchestra and string lessons for the Schenectady City School District as well private upright and electric bass lessons. He has also been a clinician at numerous jazz festivals, and workshops around the region.

Pete Sweeney, is a drummer, author, and educator living in Troy NY. Pete studied with Dave Calarco and Joe Morello. He has performed, toured, and recorded with many great musicians such as Pat Metheny, Larry Coryell, Lee Ritenour, John Abercrombie, Robben Ford, Andy Summers (The Police), Ronnie Earl, Duke Robillard, Ed Mann (Frank Zappa), Frank Gambale, Lorne Lofsky, “Dangerous” Dan Toler, Johnny “Clyde” Copeland, Mick Goodrick, and Steve Bailey. He has written 20 instructional books for the Alfred publishing company including the “30 Day Drum Workout”, “The Versatile Drummer”, and the “Drum Atlas” books on Cuba, Jamaica, Salsa, and Brazil. Pete currently teaches at the Berkshire Music School, Bard College at Simon’s Rock, the Troy Music Academy, Union College, and the Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation. He is a member of the Latin jazz group Sensemaya, as well as the leader of his own groups. He is an endorser of Mapex drums, Sabian cymbals, Vic Firth sticks, and Aquarian drum heads.

Jazz at the Spring is held the last Thursday of each month at the Spring Street Gallery, Saratoga Springs, and is sponsored by Capital District Jazz, Ltd. (CDJ) a 501©3 not-for-profit organization formed by practitioners and fans who love jazz music. American in origin, jazz reaches and draws from millions of performers and listeners around the globe who are inspired by its rich history, excited by its technical complexity, and moved by its emotional depth. The members of CDJ want to share their love of jazz with current and potential performers and enthusiasts throughout the “Capital District”. CDJ’s mission is to build and serve a wider audience for jazz through education; to create performance opportunities for jazz musicians; and to develop venues for these pursuits. CDJ supports All Ears: Jazz and Improvised Music Workshop, which is a fun hands-on way for students of all ages to learn about jazz.

CDJ is offering a number of free tickets for youth age 17 and under. If you are interested in obtaining a free ticket please inquire via email info@cdjazz.org. Tickets are available in advance at: brown paper tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3518746