The organ trio is one of jazz’s most elemental formations: three musicians without a bassist’s anchor, the organist’s left hand carrying both harmony and low end simultaneously. Three Piece Meal, the Burlington, Vermont group that formed in 2024, doesn’t try to reinvent the form; they trust it. Running a Crumar Mojo through a 1966 Leslie speaker, Van Garrison produces the warm, churning tone the format requires; he and guitarist Luca Medina-Downs trade melodies while drummer Zach Brownstein supplies the groove, pushing toward hard funk without losing the jazz underneath.
About the Show
Three Piece Meal headlines at Funk ‘n Waffles on Thursday, October 1, with Brooklyn-based jam quartet PEAK in support. Live coverage of the band describes “the calm collectedness of a funk band” with “enough heat and improvisation” — and a sound characterized as “smoother and silkier” than comparable organ-driven acts, with a “more refined aesthetic” rooted in genuine jazz appreciation. At a recent set, the group opened with an Ahmad Jamal cover before pivoting to originals, a choice that clarifies what kind of organ trio this is. Their debut singles “Wiz Kid” and “Shroud” are on Bandcamp, with an EP on the way; the trio appeared at the 2026 Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, strong evidence they’re being taken seriously in the genre while still in the early stages of what looks like a promising run.
PEAK brings a different center of gravity. The Brooklyn quartet, performing since 2019, released their third album “Vanishing Skies” in January 2025 — a record that opens with the disco-funk groove of “Little Miss Mary Merry Go Round” before ranging into Southern rock, with a closing track that recalls Phish, described as “remarkably cohesive” across that span. Their debut, “Electric Bouquet,” was produced by Dave Brandwein of Turkuaz. Keyboardist Johnny Young, who has been blind since age 17, brings both technical depth and vocals to the group. The band has shared stages with Goose and Lespecial, and extends considerably in live settings; their latest single, “Run Me Down,” is out now.
Venue & Logistics
Funk ‘n Waffles, a 200-capacity bar and music venue at 307 S Clinton St in central New York, is the right room for an organ trio: small enough that a 1966 Leslie speaker fills the space rather than competing with it. Doors at 7:00 p.m.; show at 8:00 p.m. The show is 18 and older.
Tickets
Tickets start at $13.07, on sale now. Buy tickets