Allison, Cardenas & Nash

Ben Allison (bass), Steve Cardenas (guitar), Ted Nash (saxophone)

Against the backdrop of over 25 years of creative collaboration Ben, Steve, and Ted weave musical conversations that are full of subtlety and surprise. They take turns arranging for the trio, which has released four albums: Quiet Revolution (2018 Sonic Camera), Somewhere Else - West Side Story Songs (2019 Plastic Sax), Healing Power: The Music of Carla Bley (2022 Sunnyside/Sonic Camera), and Tell the Birds I Said Hello: The Music of Herbie Nichols (2024, Sonic Camera).

The trio is modeled after reedist/composer Jimmy Giuffre’s drummerless units of the 1950s and 60s. As jazz was becoming more expressionistic and at times bombastic, musicians like Giuffre were going in the opposite direction. They were envisioning quieter music that maintained elements of blues and folk, while also embracing the emerging qualities of free playing.

All shows at Sam First are 21+ (no one under the age of 21 will be permitted)

Show Times: 7:30pm & 9:30pm, and a separate ticket is required for each show.

Notice of Recording: Sam First live streams and records all concerts. By entering Sam First, you understand that your image and/or voice might be included in those recordings. Sam First reserves the right to use any photography, video or audio recording taken at this event, without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video.