Triceratops walked the earth from 1986 to 1998, approximately. It remains one of my favorite projects. The CD came out on the now-demised IGMOD label in 1997, but years of gigs and varying lineups preceded it. The CD received radio promotion from Groov Marketing and topped out at #42 on Gavin Jazz for one exciting week. The CD should be available on-line, but if not, I'd be happy to sell you a copy!

The band appeared at the Cotati Jazz Festival, KCSM’s Jazz on the Hill Festival, (both) Yoshi’s in Oakland, Stanford Jazz, Pacifica Performances, Kimball's, Kuumbwa, SF Performances, and even Cafe du Nord! We were featured on Bud Spangler’s “See’s Sunday Night Suites” series on KCSM-FM. Ben Sidran said, of our debut recording “"My compliments for a very well put-together project. I like the writing...romantic and traditional."

The wonderful cover art was done by Bay Area artist Melinda Levine, who did exquisite work in cut paper, including terrific illustrations for children's books. Sadly, she has since passed away.

A few tracks:

• Many Lights
• I See You Jumping
• Lost and Found
• Sparks

The reviews:

Why Triceratops? Because they have three horns, of course! But far from being a dinosaur, this solid sextet has walked the earth since 1986, playing attractive modern jazz with admirable precision and feeling. Along with the trombone and rhythm section, two saxophonists cover tenor, alto and soprano, and also double on flutes and clarinet, giving the group a wide sound palette which they use to good effect. Their original compositions provide an always enjoyable range of moods and approaches. The solos are satisfying, but it’s the arrangements I like best: the sounds blend harmoniously but the harmonies have teeth. This music will stay with you and is well worth a listen.

--LeJazz World Wide Web site (http://lejazz.simplenet.com), December 1997

You will quickly figure out the hidden meaning behind this name when you listen to the strong blend of saxes, flutes, clarinets and trombone used to create a rich acoustical ambiance. ...Every tune is composed with the listeners feelings in mind. Many jazz artists go way out on a personal limb and it is hard to understand where they are trying to take a song. Triceratops finds a way to touch all listeners with creativity and ear pleasing affection....This group has a diverse jazz playing style that is sure to please you! Check them out!

-- Jazz Review (www.jazzreview.com), November 1997

Naming this sextet after a three-horned prehistoric dinosaur doesn’t mean their musical creations are time-worn or lumbering. Rather, backed by a champion rhythm team–Laura Klein (piano), Alan Hall (drums) and Dan Seamans (bass)–the three-horn front line invades ten better-than-Messenger-like originals, providing captivating moments for listeners. Solo and textural playing by Tony Corman (alto/soprano saxes, flutes), Dave Eshelman (trombone), and Dave Tidball (tenor/soprano saxes, clarinet) confirms this modern-sounding, West Coast crew is no museum piece.

JazzTimes, February 1998