The Dave Palmer Trio is a meeting of three world-class musicians with roots stretching from Philadelphia to Los Angeles. Pianist and composer Dave Palmer is joined by renowned bassist Reggie Hamilton and acclaimed drummer Joey Waronker, uniting decades of collective experience into a singular vision of swing-oriented, composition-driven jazz. In June 2024, Palmer reached out to the players he most wanted for the project, and within a month they were in Hollywood’s Boulevard Recording, tracking on a vintage Bechstein piano and working alongside producers Niko Bolas and David Resnik of CMG.

Hot on the heels of their elegant debut, the Dave Palmer Trio now turn their attention to the holiday songbook with Happy Holidays!, a warm and spontaneously arranged seasonal release. Across eight beloved classics — including “Holly Jolly Christmas,” “We Three Kings,” “O Holy Night” and “Silent Night” — the trio explore festive standards through lush piano melodies, expressive upright bass, and subtle, swinging drum work. Two tracks feature guest vocals from Chris Pierce, whose velvety, soul-infused delivery brings a comforting glow and contrast to the otherwise instrumental set, deepening the album’s sense of warmth and mood. Recorded in a single, fast-moving session, the arrangements were shaped in the room on instinct, lending the record a cohesive, organic energy.

Dave Palmer shares, “These tracks were picked on the spot at the session. We would talk about songs and once we settled on one we would arrange them on the spot. It moved very quickly and was very natural. It was nice to see it all come together in one day. The two with Chris Pierce singing were picked ahead of time but we approached them the same in that we came up with the feel and arrangements in the moment. This really makes for a very cohesive and fresh energy.” 

They’re no strangers to the music world. Each member of the Dave Palmer Trio brings a storied career: Palmer has lent his piano talents to Air, Fiona Apple, Fleetwood Mac, and Tegan and Sara, while Hamilton’s bass lines have supported legends like Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, and Mariah Carey. Waronker, known for his versatility, has worked with Beck, R.E.M., Roger Waters, and is fresh off tour with Oasis and their Live ’25 Tour. Together, they channel decades of collective experience into a fresh vision of what a modern jazz trio can be.

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