Bob Griffin: Piano, Hammond Organ, Electric Keys
George Porter, Jr.: Bass, Guitar
Russell Batiste: Drums
Recorded at Ultrasonic Studios
Mixed by David Farrell
Composer-pianist Bob Griffin delivers an original collection of New Orleans style funk-blues-jazz with New Orleans' primo rhythm section players George Porter, Jr. and Russell Batiste of the Meters. George Porter, Jr. weaves his intricate bass lines around Griffin's charming, simple melodies comping with perfection. Russell Batiste's drumming is masterful and fonky.
Piano, Bass, Drums received praise from blues and jazz programmers alike. Rehearsed in Porter's living room and recorded and mixed at Ultrasonic Studios in New Orleans by David Farrell, this improvised gumbo grooves with soulful joy.
"This is great music that's very close to my heart." Allen Toussaint
"Very cool piano blues---He's inspired." Billboard
"Marsallis, Neville and Jordan are well known family names, along with a fourth major family; the Batiste clan, led by music professor Alvin Batiste. Younger family member Russell has been the drummer for the Meters of New Orleans, and now appears on a new album on Roesch Records, which is very well suited for jazz and blues tastes. It's called "Piano, Bass, Drums" and it's by Bob Griffin and his trio. Bob Griffin on piano, George Porter, Jr. on bass, and Russell Batiste on drums. The music on this album is simple and uplifting. It's New Orleans music at it's best, with titles like "Zum Gali Gali." The flavor has national...universal appeal." Askia Muhammad copyright BJR Caucus Post, Dr. MLK Holiday 1995, Jan 23,1995 p.6
"A classic Southern mix of gospel, blues funk and jazz, Griffin's tunes have clear melodic themes, but leave plenty of room for his bright mid-tempo solos and the rest of the trio's deep-ditch grooving." Mark Rowland copyright Musician Magazine May 1995 p.89
"An excellent outing." Peter R. Aschoff copyright Living Blues Magazine Jan/Feb1995 Number 119, Vol.26 no.1(www.LivingBlues.OnLine.com)
"Almost every tune here evokes the sound of N'Awlins blues and funk as pioneered by Professor Longhair, (a major influence here), Allen Toussaint, The Meters, and Dr. John... I admire their courage in releasing this enjoyable album." Thomas J. Cullen copyright Blues Revue Magazine Number 16 p.88 (www.bluesrevue.com)
"Here's a release that scores a ten on the curiosity scale: an all instrumental outing featuring the original funkmaster George Porter, Jr. on bass, and his Funky Meters rhythm section partner Russell Batiste on drums...he deserves credit for enlisting Porter and Batiste to push this affair into funky territory." Scott Jordan copyright Offbeat Magazine Jan.1995 Vol.8 no.1 (www.offbeat.com)
