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Masterminded by Islands era King Crimson drummer Ian Wallace, the idea for the trio came to him while on tour with the 21st Century Schizoid Band, another Crimson related project. I had so much fun playing these songs again, especially live where there was much improvisation, Wallace explains. I thought it might be a cool idea to rearrange some of Crimson material in a jazz format.

In addition to Ian Wallace, the CJ3 is rounded out by Jody Nardone and former Vital Information bassist Tim Landers. All are longtime fans of Crimson and bring in a jazz sensibility that is a perfect fit for the ever-flexible Wallace.

CJ3 pianist Jody Nardone began studying and performing at the age of three. After graduating high school, Nardone attended William Paterson University of NJ, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies and Performance. He relocated to Nashville in 1994 in pursuit of a major label recording contract. Nardone spent the fall of 2003 through spring of 04 as a member of former Max Roach sideman/jazz trumpeter Rod McGaha's quartet, performs regularly as sideman, studio musician, vocalist and producer/arranger with countless artists such as Annie Sellick, Bret Michaels, Jeff Black, Bob Delevante, The Floating Men, The Jim Hoke Nonet, Cyndi Wheeler and Scott Carter. Jody has shared the stage with vocalists Michael McDonald and Kevin Whalum, as well as bassist Garry Tallent of Bruce Springsteens E Street Band and is a member of the music faculty at Currey Ingram Academy, Brentwood, Tennessee where he has been Artist in Residence since 1996.

Tim Landers can be found most every day in one of LA's many recording studios either playing bass or writing for television shows and commercials, feature films and recording projects. This gifted player has collaborated with a stellar roster of talent including Mike Stern, Tiger Okoshi, Vinnie Colaiuta, Al DiMeola, Gil Evans, and Billy Cobham to just scratch the surface. Landers also formed Vital Information with ex- Journey drummer Steve Smith. Tim has recorded and performed with Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin, Tori Amos, Tracey Chapman, John Tesh, Frank Gambale, David Foster, Al Stewart, Go West, James Ingram, Stevie Nicks, Stan Ridgeway, Terence Trent D'Arby and Loreena McKennitt.

As for Ian Wallace, his expertise with the beat has never stopped being in demand by such notables as Bonnie Raitt, Don Henley, Larry Coryell, Bob Dylan, Procol Harum and The Traveling Wilburys. As a producer and player, he has worked with singer/songwriter Andy West and new MCA artist Jessi Alexander and Fission Trip featuring Mel Collins, Michael Clay, Ernie Myers and John Billings with special guest; Adrian Belew. Among his recent studio recordings have included sessions with producer Pat Leonard and Skye Edwards of Morcheeba, Nanci Griffith, Rosie Flores, Rodney Crowell, legendary songwriter Dan Penn and the musical "The Ten Commandments". Wallace also tours as a member of the 21st Century Schizoid Band.

The combination of these master craftsmen with one focus results in joyous, celebratory jazz.