Drawing inspiration from the searching lyricism of the Bill Evans Trio, the telepathic interplay of Keith Jarrett’s Standards Trio, and the textural openness of Paul Motian’s groups, Meridian approaches the piano trio not as a hierarchy, but as a living organism—three voices in continuous dialogue. Their music moves fluidly between composition and improvisation, with an ear for space, tone, and the emotional resonance of sound.

The group has appeared at venues and festivals across the Northeast, including the Rochester International Jazz Festival, Beacon Bonfire Festival, and the Fredonia Jazz Festival, as well as several of New York City’s storied jazz clubs. The trio has also presented clinics at the Eastman School of Music and James Madison University.

Each member brings a distinct voice and perspective to the trio. Pianist Sam Chandler, a versatile improviser and composer, shapes Meridian’s harmonic landscape with lyricism and restraint, informed by his background in both jazz and classical traditions. Bassist Brendan Nie, originally from Canada, by way of China, and raised in Texas, bridges multiple musical and cultural worlds—his playing grounded in the earthy pulse of American jazz while carrying a global sensibility shaped by diverse influences. Drummer Sam Schaeffer, hailing from Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, contributes an expressive rhythmic palette marked by color, precision, and a composer’s sense of form. This performance will also feature the dynamic Valencian-born saxophonist Juan Saus.

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