The I.V. Jazz III

The I.V. Jazz III

The Isla Vista Jazz Trio started in the fall of 2019 at The University of California, Santa Barbara by three musicians studying towards various educational goals. All were music student at different stages of their scholastic path. With a deep passion for the traditional jazz classics of Miles Davis, Herbie Handcock, and Duke Ellington (to name a few), these three set out to share the joys of jazz with the surrounding community. With the intent of performing for small bars and late night hang out spots, they began playing in November of 2019, with only three rehearsals under their belt.

They were met with warm enthusiasm and refreshed relief. Many of the common admirations came in the appreciation for the classics, and glad faces from those who were looking for a break from some of the frantic, loud, digital, and unrecognizable repertoire that can sometimes flood the market of live entertainment. The I.V. Jazz Trio helped listeners return to favorite melodies in a familiar improvisational way. With a simple set up of piano, upright bass and tenor sax, they covered all the melodic cornerstones. They used only framework compositions provided by ‘fake books’ (music that only includes basic melody and chord structure) and make the rest up as they go along. True to the heartbeat of jazz, they carved their own path.

The group’s core consists of Corey Highberg on Upright Bass, Tristan Sommers on Piano, and Nick DiPierro on Tenor Sax. Corey is a seasoned player, lending his talents on electric and upright bass throughout southern California to a variety of artists. The jazz trio has proven a healthy outlet for him as a soloist and entertainer. He lends his bottom end with grace and depth of a truly passionate performer. Tristan Sommers is a brilliant composer and improvisor on the piano. He spends time crafting original songs and melodies while lending his talents to abstract rhythm and voicings to the group, exacting a unique idiom to the combo. Nick DiPierro, a warm and colorful soloist, engages in the core melodies of their concerts, and lights up the room with intense improvisations. From smooth and soothing lines to hard growls, Nick lets his soul out with each gig, and with it, gives the audience a new piece of inspiration to take home with them.

This group has made a wonderful home for jazz classics to relive in the space of new minds audiences. Keep an eye out for their next venue, and let them become part of your best memories of what a fun night listening to great music can be.