Winter Jazz Series: Philippe Lemm Trio

The Philippe Lemm Trio, one of the most exciting and dynamic jazz groups of the last decade, makes a major statement with their latest release First Steps.
A follow up to their 2018 OiM debut City Birds, First Steps demonstrates the trio’s unique, dynamic voice that has developed after ten years of stellar creative output and consistent touring.

First Steps is centered around the bandleader’s background in dance. Lemm notes: “Before I played the drums I was a dancer, and in a way, I still feel like the drums are my expression of movement.” A reflection on the events of the past year, Lemm says “2020 felt like an uncertain choreography. We had to practice slow-dancing by ourselves and learn to maneuver without reference. It dictated its own movement and made us more aware of our fundamental need for one another and how much we desired our dance partners.” Musically, First Steps draws inspiration from traditional folkloric dances and their rhythms while some songs take inspiration from reflections on life and the events of the past year.

A bittersweet moment for bandleader Lemm, this release celebrates the life and musicianship of longtime friend and collaborator, pianist Angelo Di Loreto who passed away in October 2020. Alongside Lemm’s drums and percussion and Jeff Koch on bass, Di Loreto’s musical voice is woven intrinsically on this poignant ten track collection.

The Philippe Lemm Trio, one of the most exciting and dynamic jazz groups of the last decade, makes a major statement with their latest release First Steps.
A follow up to their 2018 OiM debut City Birds, First Steps demonstrates the trio’s unique, dynamic voice that has developed after ten years of stellar creative output and consistent touring.

First Steps is centered around the bandleader’s background in dance. Lemm notes: “Before I played the drums I was a dancer, and in a way, I still feel like the drums are my expression of movement.” A reflection on the events of the past year, Lemm says “2020 felt like an uncertain choreography. We had to practice slow-dancing by ourselves and learn to maneuver without reference. It dictated its own movement and made us more aware of our fundamental need for one another and how much we desired our dance partners.” Musically, First Steps draws inspiration from traditional folkloric dances and their rhythms while some songs take inspiration from reflections on life and the events of the past year.

A bittersweet moment for bandleader Lemm, this release celebrates the life and musicianship of longtime friend and collaborator, pianist Angelo Di Loreto who passed away in October 2020. Alongside Lemm’s drums and percussion and Jeff Koch on bass, Di Loreto’s musical voice is woven intrinsically on this poignant ten track collection.