What The What - the "trio different".

What The What could be called the "trio different".  Formed in  2013 by well-traveled Santa Fe natives Jon Gagan , J.Q. Whitcomb, and  Robby Rothschild, the group fuses diverse elements of funk, jazz and  world into a unique and compelling sound. With a style described as  "earthy and inviting", they defy categorization while at the same time  evoking the familiar with their original compositions. What the What’s   eponymous CD was released in July 2015.

Bassist  Jon Gagan is best known for his 30 + year association with renown  guitarist Ottmar LIebert.  In addition to playing bass on over 25  Liebert albums, (including several RIAA-certified gold and platinum and  Grammy-nominated titles) Jon also scored a full-length string orchestra  concert for Liebert. The show was performed by Liebert's trio along with  The NM Philharmonic to a sold-out crowd at Popejoy Hall in March of  2023. As as a freelance sideman, Gagan has performed with Milt Jackson,  Eddie Harris, Dave Grusin, Christopher Cross, Big Al Anderson, Nat  Adderley,, Emily Remler and Mose Allison, among many others. He has also  released a series of solo albums on LIebert's SSRI label, Transit 1-3.   Recent recording work includes bass tracks featured on “Santa Fe Style”  by Spanish guitarist/singer Juan Jose Alba and “Alone” by the sister  duo Carly and Martina.

Trumpet player J.Q.  Whitcomb holds a BM in jazz performance from Oberlin University as well  as a Master's in jazz performance from Julliard. While at Oberlin, he  studied trumpet with Marcus Belgrave and Kenny Davis. After receiving  his bachelor's degree, J.Q. relocated to Shanghai, China, where he  worked steadily for 8 years as a jazz artist and educator. He was  featured as a guest artist with internationally-acclaimed jazz artists  Sinne Eeg and Martin Schack quartet on a tour of Denmark.  He also  performed at the Copenhagen Jazz festival in 2008 and 2011, as well as  the 2011 Ribe Jazz festival.  In 2016,. J. Q. was commisioned by The New  Mexico Jazz Workshop to compose a piece for thier 40th anniversary.  He  has two albums as a leader: Airports, and Tales Of Enchantment.

Robby  Rothschild on percussion has studied many forms of music with teachers  all over the world, and earned a master's degree in composition from  UNM. He performs his original songs regularly with Round Mountain and as  a solo artist, bringing his varied background to bear in a unique and  powerful songwriting style.  In addition, he has worked with Thomas  Mapfuno and Guinean griot Prince Diabate, He is currently the touring  percussionist for both Ottmar Liebert and Kip Winger.

https://whatthewhat.bandcamp.com/album/what-the-what