Bob Nell & Michael Bisio Trios We Are Here (Origin 82956)

Though clearly ensconced in the jazz mainstream, veteran pianist Bob Nell dances on the precipice of avant-garde abandon.
Cadence Magazine

There's a certain frankness and ease that emerges when friends of many decades exchange ideas. Pianist Bob Nell from Montana and New York bassist Michael Bisio have been engaged in just such a musical conversation for more than fifty years. With We Are Here, that dialogue continues through a collection of Nell's original compositions, performed in two trio settings that feature drummers Adam Greenberg and Austin Belluscio. First meeting in Seattle in 1975, just setting out on their respective musical journeys, their paths have remained intertwined—like strands of a double helix—continuously circling back to one another through music. This music reflects decades of exploration and millions of miles traveled, countless performances, and an ongoing search for new musical horizons. All paths lead home. After fifty years, the journey continues.

"Athletic grace and macho gentleness." Earshot Jazz

Track Listing:

  1 Injury or Malpractice? 5:45
  2 Trance-Lamentique 5:48
  3 Blues for KB 3:07
  4 Elegy for Elephanthead 3:57
  5 The Aerial Lariat 3:57
  6 I Had a Few Things in Mind 6:36
  7 Achromaticism 5:38
  8 Interweave 7:21
  9 The Bird Giant 3:34
10 Lucy's Waltz 4:32
11 Dawnland 6:43
12 Shelter in Place 4:13

Compositions by Bob Nell | Plechmo Music (BMI)

Performers:

Bob Nell - piano
Michael Bisio - bass
Adam Greenberg - drums (1-7)
Austin Belluscio - drums (8-12)

Production Info:

Produced by Bob Nell
Recorded, mixed & mastered by Gil Stober at Peak Recording, Bozeman, MT
Recorded on August 19-20, 2025
Band photos by Ginny Barry
Artwork by Dawn Bisio
Front & back cover: "Pulse of the Planet" 2022
Interior artwork: "Jellybean Origin Story" 2024
Cover design & layout by John Bishop

Reviews of We Are Here

Jazz Weekly (George W Harris)
Pianist Bob Nell and bassist Michael Bisio form trios with drummers Adam Greenberg or Austin Belluscio on this collection of originals. With Greenberg, Nell and Bisio get intense and dark on the bluesy "Injury or Malpractice" with some classy chords displayed on the shadowy "Trance-Lamentique", going full fisted in Tyner fashion on the driving "Blu ...

Paris Move (Thierry De Clemensat)
A deeply immersive review of We Are Here, the remarkable new album by Bob Nell and Michael Bisio, where five decades of musical friendship culminate in a sophisticated and emotionally resonant contemporary jazz masterpiece. Bob Nell and Michael Bisio's We Are Here: A Masterful Contemporary Jazz Conversation Five Decades in the Making 5-STARS ...