The Dark marks the debut release of EEA, a newly formed ensemble consisting of saxophonist Peter Epstein, Larry Engstrom on trumpet, and pianist David Ake, three longtime colleagues and collaborators. Whether performing original compositions, collective improvisations, or overlooked gems from the jazz repertoire, The Dark explores the full range of moods and textures afforded by this unusual instrumentation. Epstein, Engstrom, and Ake have performed and recorded alongside many of the world's finest artists in jazz and improvisational music, including Ralph Alessi, Uri Caine, Scott Colley, Ravi Coltrane, Peter Erskine, Charlie Haden, Bobby Previte, and Miroslav Tadic. EEA allows all of their varied experiences to make its way into their music. The result is a rare mix of sounds and approaches honed over decades of creative and diverse music making.