On The Spot Trio
On The Spot is exactly where these three musicians stand when they settle into a heavy funk-laden groove. Formed in July 2006, O.T.S. Trio mixes classic funky soul jazz stylings with modern jazz improvisational chops to create a psychedelic dance party for the ages. Guitarist Danny Mayer and drummer Emery Nelson were introduced through mutual musician friends, and immediately knew they would be musical brothers for years to come. They were fueled by dreams of playing in a Hammond Organ-based trio. Six months later, Mayer met versatile keyboard man Kris Yunker while studying music at Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz County, Calif. Along with Nelson, the three musicians quickly found common ground amongst influences ranging from soul jazz greats Jimmy Smith and Lonnie Smith to Medeski, Martin, & Wood; Soulive and uber-guitarist John Scofield.
Since they began performing, On The Spot Trio has been a regular at Bay Area clubs like Moe’s Alley, Don Quixote’s Music Hall, and The Crepe Place in Santa Cruz, Calif. The band has also graced the stages of The Boom Boom Room, Pier 23 and The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. They’ve hit the festival circuit, giving dance-hungry crowds the music they desire at the Zayante Hoedown, River Vibes Music Festival, Savor The Summit Festival and the River Ranch Music Festival. And in the past year alone, they have completed multiple successful tours throughout the country, sharing the stage with major influences and friends such as: Eric Krasno (Soulive), Stanton Moore (Galactic), Russ Lawton (Trey Anastasio Band), Joey Porter (The Motet, Juno What), Ray Paczowski (Trey Anastasio Band), Nigel Hall, (Soulive), Sam Kininger (Soulive), and Big Sam Williams (Dirty Dozen Brass Band), to name just a few. The Trio has also been booked alongside acts such as The Ray Paczowski & Russ Lawton Duo, Wil Blades, 7 Come 11, Teddy Presberg Quartet, Boca do Rio, Juno What, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Orgone, Particle, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, & Soulive!
On The Spot Trio has become tight, funky, efficient, and are constantly pushing each other to new heights. Whether they’re playing originals from their album, or covers (ranging from The Meters to Michael Jackson), these guys share a joy for music that’s quickly evident onstage. A particularly tasty drum fill from Nelson elicits a wide grin from Mayer. Yunker’s organ wizardry causes Nelson to break out in a perma-grin that spreads beyond the edge of the stage into the audience.
“We have so much fun playing music, we try our hardest to bring 110 percent every time we play,” says Mayer. “Our goals for every show are to find those divine moments of inspiration, and to make sure people are smiling, dancing, and having a good time!”
