Chris Brubeck’s Triple Play featuring Joel Brown and Peter Madcat Ruth

“It all fits together because of the talent and taste of the musicians, who groove no matter what they’re doing—and it’s tremendous fun, to boot.” — All About Jazz

Chris Brubeck's Triple Play features three versatile musicians:
- Peter Madcat Ruth — harmonica, guitar, jaw harp, percussion, vocals
- Joel Brown — folk and classical acoustic guitar, vocals
- Chris Brubeck — electric bass, bass trombone, piano, vocals

With a rich musical history spanning decades, these three have deep roots in American music. Chris Brubeck and Madcat Ruth began playing together in the late 1960s, first as young rock musicians in the groups New Heavenly Blue (albums on RCA and Atlantic Records) and Sky King (on Columbia), and later as jazz musicians touring the world with Dave Brubeck.

Chris went on to form Crofut & Brubeck with banjo player Bill Crofut and also featured Joel on guitar. A highly unusual and critically acclaimed CD, Across Your Dreams (Telarc), features mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade singing songs written by Chris, Dave & Iola Brubeck.

They recorded Bach to Brubeck (Koch International Classics) at Abbey Road Studios with the London Symphony Orchestra.

After Bill Crofut passed away in 1999, Madcat joined Chris and Joel to form Triple Play. The trio blends folk, blues, jazz, and classical influences into performances that feel both deeply rooted and refreshingly spontaneous.

Expect dazzling musicianship: harmonica, guitar, bass, trombone, piano, percussion, and vocals, woven together with warmth, humor, and a genuine love of the music. Their repertoire spans original compositions, inventive arrangements, and genre-defying interplay that keeps audiences leaning in.

Critics have praised their recordings for their “top-notch musicianship, potent originals, and a touch of humor,” while live audiences know them for the feeling of three musicians completely in sync, creating music that is joyful and masterful. From concert halls to festivals like the Monterey Jazz Festival, Triple Play continues to delight audiences across the country.

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