Lin Esser with Kathy Ridl and Jim Ridl

Cellist Lin Esser, pianist Jim Ridl and bassist Kathy Ridl bring their diverse influences, creative philosophy and highly engaging skillsets to KinoSaito’s main performance space. The program celebrates the wide-ranging and long standing creative link these three artists have enjoyed over their many years of collaboration. The ensemble’s Southwestern and Midwestern American origins serve to inform and inspire the often vast harmonic landscapes typical of the trio’s unique character.

As a classical violist and vocalist, Kathy Ridl brings a vibrant melodic element to the double bass. Her deep insight into American bluegrass, jazz, and world folk traditions, coalesce to form the sturdiest of musical foundations for the trio. Also a visual artist and accomplished designer of CD and album covers for countless artists, Kathy shares the group’s painterly approach to music.

Jim Ridl’s outstanding recordings and active touring has brought him to jazz enthusiasts’ attention worldwide. His impressive musical history places him squarely in the ranks of some of the most highly respected musicians, composers and teachers in jazz and contemporary music today. New Yorkers will know Jim for his tenure with the Mingus Big Band, a long running residency at the celebrated 55 Jazz bar, and his essential musical partnership with the late jazz guitarist Pat Martino.

Lin Esser’s career as a noted visual artist underpins the picturesque crafting of his musical concept. Most recently KinoSaito hosted ‘A True Story’, a solo cello performance in which Esser demonstrated his innate ability as a musical storyteller. This performance of Lin’s musical ideas together with the expert, creative input of the group as a whole, intersects and amplifies the many themes, styles and artforms on display at KinoSaito.