Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist Jeff Brown was a recognized solo artist in the Chicago open mic circuit for several years.  A seasoned member of metal and hardcore bands in the area, Jeff made the switch to the more delicate side in 2004, merging a love of bands like Iron Maiden and Alice in Chains with Damien Rice and Ryan Adams.  While the heavier days appear to be over, Jeff still pulls the occasional Maiden cover or blistering guitar solo out of his sleeves if asked nicely.

Occasionally performing with other musicians in off-the-cuff collaborations, the time came to put together a semi-permanent collection of friends and musicians in the summer of 2007...

THE EXTRA LARGE TRIO:

Jeff met guitarist Eric Stafford at Griffins Public House, a smoky but beloved space housing an open mic every Tuesday night during the fall of 2004. Occasionally lending his 6 and 12 string slinging to a song or two, Eric was a natural choice to join the rotation. Eric is a veteran performer in the Chicagoland area, and has an emerging solo project of his own.

In a fortunate series of events, Jeff met violinist Christine Knodle through a mutual friend in 2008.  After seeing each other perform, the two determined that they needed to work together.  It's really unimportant who asked who first, or who is more excited to be working with the other.  The important part is that the two fit together magically, and the real winner is the lucky folk to be able to listen.

In an earlier incarnation of the Jeff Brown Trio, Singer/Songwriter Greg Combs provided the keyboards while the two struggled to find a drummer. As the drummer search continued to go horribly horribly wrong, Greg happened to mention that he was a percussionist as well. Today, Greg occasionally provides percussion in smaller settings, but has transitioned more fully to piano and keyboards, where he truly shines. Greg's band, Jackson Combs, is steadily becoming a rock force to be reckoned with in Chicago.

The Extra Large Trio is currently seeking a drummer.  It could be you!  If you would like it to be you, please contact us!