Origin Artist

Each brings a singular skill and presence...
Dennis Hollingsworth, All About Jazz.com

Rich Thompson, Clay Jenkins, and Jeff Campbell, along with performing as Trio East, all teach at the Eastman School of Music. Coming together as a group for the first time in the winter of 2001, the members of Trio East have each continued to bring a unique style and skill to the group.

Rich Thompson is an Associate Professor of jazz studies and contemporary media (pt) at the Eastman School of Music. Rich received a bachelor's degree in music education and in percussion from the University of Oklahoma, and a master's degree in jazz studies and contemporary media (performance) from the Eastman School of Music. He has taught at Eastman since 1996 and has performed with artists and groups such as the Count Basie Orchestra, Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Bill Dobbins, James Williams, Clark Terry, and Bobby McFerrin.

Clay Jenkins got his start studying music theory at the University of North Texas and soon joined the Stan Kenton Orchestra upon completion of his degree. After earning his master's degree in jazz studies at the University of Southern California, he has gone on to teach schools including California State University at Northridge, California Institute of the Arts and is now currently teaching at the Eastman School of Music. Clay has recorded with artists including Billy Harper, Lyle Mays, Peter Erskine, Ray Brown, Kurt Elling, Dr. John, Bob Sheppard, Jim Widner, Eric Reed, Bill Perkins, Lennie Niehaus, Ernestine Anderson, and Miki Coltrane.

Jeff Campbell began his musical education at an early age under the influence of his professional musician parents. He went on to get his bachelor's degree in music education from Brigam Young University and his master's degree from the Eastman School of Music. While performing with artists such as Marian McPartland, Gene Bertoncini, Rich Perry, Harold Jones, he has also been a full-time professor at the Eastman School of Music since 1997 as well as serving as the jazz editor for Bass World and regularly contributes to the Double Bassist magazine.

RECORDINGS FEATURING Trio East

Trio East

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Origin 82466