The Rodney Richardson Trio (l-r): Will Rast, Richardson, Larry Ferguson, photo by Joe Herrera

The guitar/organ/drums trio is a time-honored format in jazz. During its heyday in the 1960s, guitarists such as Wes Montgomery, Grant Green, and George Benson all led — or were an integral part of — organ-based trios. The soulful sounds these groups produced even went on to become hits on the pop and R&B charts. Now, the District has its own addition to this rich tradition. Tomorrow night, guitarist Rodney Richardson will lead his organ trio at Blues Alley to celebrate the release of his debut as a bandleader, This Is The Rodney Richardson Trio.

Richardson is among the rich crop of local talent that has emerged over the past decade or so. Born and raised in D.C., Richardson attended the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and went on to receive undergraduate and graduate degrees from the jazz program at Howard University. He cites greats like Wes Montgomery and Bud Powell as influences, alongside contemporary musicians such as guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel and saxophonist Kenny Garrett. As one of the area’s most sought after guitarists, Richardson can be seen in a variety of settings around town and also maintains a healthy teaching practice.

For his recorded debut, Richardson chose two musicians who are also familiar faces on the local scene. Organist Will Rast (***) often plays with Richardson in Rast’s afro-funk band, the Funk Ark. Larry Ferguson, a percussionist in the U.S. Army Band, is a sought-after jazz drummer with whom Richardson plays regularly. The album itself is a swinging affair with a classic organ trio sound. The majority of the nine tunes are Richardson originals. The covers include “Golden Brown,” which The Straglers originally performed in 1981, and “Phantom Other”, a Department of Eagles tune.

Richardson graciously took time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions about his group, and the new recording.