SalsaWiz Productions

The PM Trio is a musical project directed by Pianist Phil Merritt under the umbrella of
SalsaWiz Productions which is the home for other Latin musical acts such as
“Orquesta K’che” “Jazziando Latin Jazz & More” “Grupo Caribe Vibe” among others.

A native of Goldsboro North Carolina, Phil obtained a music degree from Campbell
University. He worked for Wake County Public School System for thirty years teaching
music, band, and chorus as well as participating with various local jazz bands.
He grew up listening to jazz recordings of Oscar Peterson and Vince Guaraldi. While
playing in several local jazz groups he became curious about the “Montuno” (salsa
piano pattern) that other jazz pianists would sometimes play. This led him to the study
of Salsa and Latin jazz music.

He went on to spend some time in Havana studying Cuban Popular music. Some of
the people he met were Changuito, Pello El Africano, “El Tosco” Joaquin Betancourt,
Pupi Pedroso. He studied piano with Musical Composer Andres Alen. “All musicians
and students were required had to take Cuban Popular Dance (Salsa) for musicians,
so we could understand the music through the perspective of the dancer, a great
teaching method”. “I love the music of Eddie Palmieri and Papo Lucca”.
The PM Trio performs instrumental jazz charts with a Latin and Brazilian fusion. Great
for listening with a glass of wine or getting up and dancing to some of their Mambos
and Montuno’s.

Because of its size, the Trio works perfectly for smaller events, smaller venues,
intimate settings. The PM Trio, Make it part of your next event!!!