Like a lot of good things in life, the Like Mind Trio happened almost completely by accident.
In April, 2008, percussionist Matthew Richmond had an engagement to fill for a performance at an Asheville Symphony fund-raiser and called Mike Holstein to play bass. The drummer they had in mind was unavailable so Mike recommended Justin Watt, who had just moved to town two months prior. They got together for a rehearsal to run down some of the material and the rapport was immediately apparent.
The group built upon that initial meeting, developing a unique style of ensemble driven, interactive improvisation. The group presents opportunities for each member to introduce musical ideas and compositions, principally by Matthew and Mike, which change over time and constantly evolve. The group aesthetic is intelligent, yet accessible and always exciting.
“The Like Minds Trio has the rare ability to play challenging, complex and adventuresome music while being accessible.” ~ Bassist Jack Page
The LMT’s style of music is very eclectic and includes elements of straight ahead swinging jazz, ballads, funk and fusion; including odd time signature grooves, world music and even rock, always with a strong emphasis on improvisation. On any given gig, a composition can take a different turn and go somewhere it’s not previously gone. The group’s music can also move towards more experimental and avant-garde avenues without losing its overall accessibility. In the near future, the group hopes to record a full length album.
“These guys really create a cool atmosphere in a room and really play to the strengths of all three players.” ~ Pianist Chuck Lichtenberger
Performing vibraphone in this group, Matthew Richmond is a composer, educator and all-around percussionist based in Asheville, performing frequently with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra and the pop-noir group stephaniesid. He has performed with a long list of ensembles and soloists in classical, jazz, rock, theater, drum corps, and world music. He currently teaches percussion, composition, and music theory at UNCA.
Bassist/composer Mike Holstein has become one of the most sought after bassists in the Southeast. Playing guitar, violin, piano and drums as a youth, he discovered the bass while attending Western Carolina University. Since 2004, Mike has been a member of the band Cotangent, a New York based group led by pianist/composer Bill Gerhardt. He’s performed with Joe Locke, Ingrid Jensen, Randy Brecker, Frank Kimbrough, Kendra Shank, Ron Horton, Marc Mommaas and Tim Horner among others.
Justin Watt received music degrees in Percussion Performance from two esteemed universities. After college, he enjoyed a two-year stint as the drummer for the Glenn Miller Orchestra where he toured throughout the United States, Japan and Canada. He has also performed with Jim McNeely, Michael Burritt, comedian Jack Carter, Larry O’Brian, David Morgan, The Four Aces, Dolores Parker Morgan, Julia Rich, the Guy Lombardo Orchestra, Paul McGhee, Joey De Francesco, Nick Hilscher, Bobby Shew, Kent Englehardt and Jimmy Heath.
In addition to the Like Mind Trio, Justin is the drummer for the Asheville Jazz Orchestra, Bill Gerhardt Trio, Shane Perlowin Trio, Greenville Jazz Collective and numerous other jazz/creative music groups. Along with Mike Holstein, Justin co-hosts the Asheville Original Music Series, a weekly session held at the Altamont Theatre that features a regional composer and their music. Justin is also teaching percussion at the Asheville Music School, and is an adjunct Percussion instructor at UNCA.
“The Like Mind Trio is exactly that — a collective ensemble of three of Asheville’s finest musicians. Their virtuosic prowess aside, the trio’s compositions are an eclectic fusion of all genres that provide for the best show you will see in Asheville. These guys are my Grateful Dead – I try to never miss a concert!” ~ Jason Decristofaro
Up-coming Gigs:
9:30 p.m. Thursday, September 6 at Smiley’s Acoustic Café in Greenville, SC.
7:30 p.m. Sunday, September 9 at Barley’s Taproom in Asheville.
5 p.m. Sunday, September 16 at the Southern Appalachian Brewery in Hendersonville.