Jazz trio

The term piano trio in jazz usually refers to a group comprising a pianist, a double bass player and a drummer. The pianist is usually considered the leader of these trios, and trios are usually named after their pianist. Famous examples include the Bill Evans Trio with Scott LaFaro on bass and Paul Motian on drums; and the Vince Guaraldi trio, featuring Fred Marshall and Jerry Granelli. Art Tatum's trio substituted guitar for drums, and Nat King Cole's trio and Oscar Peterson's first famous trio followed suit. Later Peterson reverted to the traditional format of piano, bass, and drums.

Another fairly common variant is the organ trio, comprising electric organ (typically a Hammond B-3), drums, and electric guitar. No bass player is needed because the organist works his bass pedals. Organists Jimmy Smith and Jack McDuff and guitarist Wes Montgomery are among the musicians who have worked in this format. The original line-up of The Tony Williams Lifetime featured Williams (drums); John McLaughlin (guitar); and Larry Young (organ).