More information on Triple Play

Live From the Center presents

Triple Play

"Triple Play" is the name given to three outstanding and versatile musicians, Peter "Madcat" Ruth (on harmonica, guitar, jaw harp, percussion and vocals), Joel Brown (folk and classical acoustic guitar and vocals) and Chris Brubeck (electric bass, bass trombone, piano and vocals). Collectively they bring a rare level of joy, virtuosity, and American spirit to the folk, blues, jazz, funk and classical music they perform.

Triple Play's musical roots go way back (as many as 30 years!) in each member's history. Chris and Madcat have toured and recorded together in different settings since 1969, first as young rock musicians in the group "New Heavenly Blue" (with albums on RCA and Atlantic Records), "Sky King" (on Columbia), and then as jazz musicians touring the world with Dave Brubeck. Madcat and Chris were audience favorites wherever the group played and were featured on two Atlantic Records released by Dave Brubeck.

Chris went on to become co-leader of the group Crofut & Brubeck with the uniquely talented banjo player and folk singer Bill Crofut and also featured Joel on guitar. A highly unusual and critically acclaimed CD, "Across Your Dreams", featuring famous mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, was released by Telarc. Flicka sang in a more intimate style performing "art songs" written by Chris, Dave and Iola Brubeck. Their next project was the recording of "Bach to Brubeck" at Abbey Road Studios with the London Symphony Orchestra, which was released on Koch International Classics.

After Bill Crofut passed away in 1999, Madcat joined Chris and Joel to form the group TRIPLE PLAY. With an ever-expanding repertoire, the trio continues to play in concert halls, clubs and festivals all over the country, including performing many of Chris' symphonic arrangements with orchestras across the U.S. In September, 2006 they played a set at the Monterey Jazz Festival and later that evening were featured in the premiere of Dave Brubeck's Cannery Row Suite. Paul deBarros, writer for the Seattle Times and Downbeat, commented, "Triple Play is what jazz always was and always should be about: good-time rhythm, unbridled joy and the sweet release but bittersweet aftertaste of the blues. If there's a better old-time blues and jazz harmonica player out there than Madcat Ruth, I'd sure love to know where he lives."

Purchase Tickets Online