THE BACKSTORY

Raised in the heart of Lubbock, Texas, in a family steeped in musical history, Todd's musical journey began at a very young age in his father's recording studio. Don Caldwell was a saxophonist and arranger who worked with the legendary Norman Petty, the producer behind Buddy Holly's timeless music. His mother, Terri Sue Caldwell, was a child prodigy, a gifted singer, and a songwriter with a Billboard-charting single in the early ‘80s. His father’s recording studio served as both a playground and a school of music for Todd and his siblings, all of whom would grow up to become musicians themselves.

Though Lubbock is known for its country music roots, Todd’s heart was captured by jazz, particularly the rich, soulful sounds of the organ. At just 15, he began performing gigs around town, and by 18, he had bought an old Hammond organ, sparking a deep, unshakable obsession with the instrument. The Hammond organ became his voice, allowing him to express emotions and creativity that felt uniquely his own.

While the dream of studying jazz in New York seemed distant, Todd’s breakthrough came when legendary musician Stephen Stills heard him play and invited him to join his touring group. This opportunity marked the turning point in Todd’s career. After a successful summer tour with Stills, Todd moved to Brooklyn and fully immersed himself in New York's vibrant music scene.

For over fifteen years, Todd has toured with Crosby, Stills & Nash, performing across the globe with the iconic group. His collaborations extend far beyond CSN, as he has also shared the stage with musical giants such as Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Neil Young, John Mayer, Joe Walsh, Donald Fagen, Brandi Carlile, Norah Jones, and Doyle Bramhall. From intimate venues to legendary arenas, Todd’s versatility on both the organ and piano has made him an integral part of some of the most renowned acts in the world. His work with these artists has ranged from intimate studio recordings to large-scale live performances, consistently earning him recognition as a highly skilled and innovative musician.

Alongside his extensive touring career, Todd continues to study with some of jazz’s great masters, constantly refining his craft and drawing inspiration for his own compositions. Now, after years of honing his unique sound, Todd is set to release an album that blends the bluesy, gritty groove of the classic jazz organ trio with a more cinematic, modern approach. His music transcends traditional jazz, weaving together past and future, and creating something both timeless and innovative.

Todd Caldwell’s latest project emerges from a shared love for the jazz organ trio. The resulting collaboration of Caldwell and New York guitarist and composer Chris Parker, the album takes shape as a dark, moody exploration that expands the jazz organ trio sound. After a series of local gigs honing these new songs, Todd and Chris headed to the studio, bringing in the accomplished drummer Josh Dion (Paris Monster, John Scofield) to complete the trio.

Recorded in one day at Atomic Sound in Red Hook, Brooklyn, the resulting album is a sonic experience that pulls listeners into an immersive, intimate world. With Josh Dion's impeccable sensitivity and groove paired with Chris Parker’s distinct voice on guitar, the trio creates a unique texture in today’s jazz landscape—one that balances complexity with an understated emotional depth and a reverence to melody. Caldwell’s Hammond organ fills the space with a voice both earthy and ethereal, weaving effortlessly between harmony and rhythm.

The compositions themselves are moody and introspective, veering into the realm of cinematic jazz. It’s a record that honors the tradition of the jazz organ trio but pushes beyond its conventions, weaving darker hues and a haunting atmosphere throughout. From the first note to the last, this album invites you to linger in its shadows and soak in its nuances.

With every track, Caldwell, Parker, and Dion invite listeners into a world where less is often more—a place where the silences speak as loudly as the notes. The music breathes and evolves, and through it, the trio creates something greater than the sum of its parts—a work that is as much about listening as it is about playing.