Formed in 2014, the BAD Trio (Brae Grimes, Aaron McCoullough, and Dan Mamrot) share a unique aesthetic based on 90s rock riffs, free jazz, and global rhythmic devices. Their debut studio release, Glen Roy, takes tongue-in-cheek inspiration from the suburb they have called home since the 2020 pandemic.
PRESS
BAD Trio Album Release: Glen Roy
Album Release: 15th of July, 2026
Available on
Digital Download: https://badtrio.bandcamp.com/
Math Rock Meets Jazz: A Northern Suburban Odyssey
BAD Trio is proud to announce the release of their debut album, Glen Roy. The album explores intricate rhythmic structures and expansive group improvisation through original compositions provided by the band’s members.
The project brings together three distinct voices in the Melbourne contemporary music scene:
- Brae Grimes: A unique approach that stems from inquiry into deeper areas of trumpet playing has led Brae to record and perform with artists such as John Abercrombie, George Garzone, Mark Hellias, Jim Black, Scott Tinkler, Ben Gillespie, Aaron Choulai, Tim Willis, Munro Melano, Michael Kieran, Arcko Symphonic Ensemble, and many more. He has performed across Australia, including at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Stonnington Jazz Festival, Castlemaine Jazz Festival, and Melbourne International Film Festival, among others.
- Dan Mamrot: Dan is an improvising musician drawing inspiration from music traditions including Jazz, Indian classical music and American bluegrass. He regularly performs at various venues throughout Melbourne, as well as at festivals including the Melbourne Jazz Festival, Wangaratta Jazz Festival, and more. He has performed and recorded with artists including John Taylor, George Garzone, Nasheet Waits, Dave Douglas, Jim Black, Mike Nock, Paul Grabowsky and more. Dan is currently completing a PhD investigating the implementation of gamification in traditional ear training pedagogy.
- Aaron McCoullough: In developing a conception to practice that embraces rhythmic fluidity, Aaron has been a consistent performer for the past two decades. This has led to awards, scholarships, endorsements, and national/international tours. Aaron’s interest in original music-making has led to two releases by his quartet, in addition to co-collaborating with many improvising artists.
Glen Roy balances driving, powerful thematic hooks with open spaces for individual and collective improvisation. Each composition has a character that is deepened by the friendship, humour, and musical language the trio has developed over several years.
The album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by engineer Hugh Stuckey at Echidna Studios, capturing the raw energy and nuanced interplay of the live trio setting with exceptional clarity.
Band Contact:
Brae Grimes 