Laura Caviani - Jazz Pianist and Composer, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Going There (Caviani Music 2005) is Caviani's 5th CD as a leader. Backed by Bob Bowman on bass and Todd Strait on drums (both long-time members of Karrin Allyson's rhythm section), Laura Caviani leads this jazz trio through nine original compositions and one rare cover, displaying a soulful and sympathetic style that is distinctly her own. Whether it is the contemplative title track, the hard swinging shuffle of "Watching the Game," the shimmering and meditative "Paper Cranes," or the bluesy boogie woogie of the CD's sole vocal track "Between the Lines," this trio presents a program that explores a wide range of musical personalities.

Caviani appeared on three Allyson releases on Concord Records during the 1990s, which began the relationship with Bob Bowman and Todd Strait. Karrin Allyson, a standout on the ivories in her own right (who chooses her pianists carefully), contributed the liner notes to Going There. Caviani joined Allyson on the 2004 and 2005 Concord Jazz Festival tours, where she also accompanied Oleta Adams, Diane Schuur and hot new talent Sara Gazarek.

In addition to their work with Karrin Allyson dating back to the early 1990s, Bob Bowman (bass) and Todd Strait (drums) are both veteran players with top-notch credentials. Bowman, based in Kansas City, toured with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra and the Toshiko Akiyoshi / Lew Tabackin Big Band in the 1970s. He has toured internationally with Carmen McRae and taken gigs with names like Bud Shank and Freddie Hubbard. Portland, OR-based Todd Strait has kept the beat for greats including Marian McPartland, Tal Farlow, Woody Herman's 50th Anniversary "Thundering Herd," vocalist Kevin Mahogany and many others. Bowman and Strait were also members of the highly acclaimed band Interstring with guitarists Danny Embrey and Rod Fleeman. Bowman, Strait, Embrey and Fleeman, along with Allyson, all appear on Caviani's 1998 release As One.

Going There was recorded, mixed and mastered by Matthew Zimmerman at Wild Sound Studios in Minneapolis. (www.wild-sound.com) On Caviani's vocal recording debut, "Between the Lines," her trio is joined by Twin Cities horn aces Pete Whitman (tenor saxophone), Dave Jensen (trumpet) and Jeff Rinear (trombone).

"This very personal and soulful album is a great example of who Laura is as a person....
I love this CD and know you will too."
Karrin Allyson, from the liner notes to Going There.

"... Bowman and Strait couldn't be more creatively supportive or impressive when in the solo spotlight, which is often, thanks to the generosity of their leader. Together - and they are very much so - they give us piano trio jazz of the highest order."
Bob Protzman, host of "Everything Jazz" on WQLN - FM in Erie, Pennsylvania and contributing writer for Downbeat and other publications.