Bad at Words, an innovative but always swinging jazz trio that has been performing a unique blend of 1960s era hard bop, funk, disco and yacht rock for more than two decades, has released its first, full-length CD, after 20 years of working together. The recording, "Bad at Words: 20 Years," with very special guests, percussionist Ari Hoenig and trumpeter Kenny Warren, will be available late this fall. The single, “Powder Pop” is now available to stream via Spotify, Apple Tunes etc.

Comprised of bassist Doug Drewes, keyboardist Jacob Pleakis and drummer Kenny Shaw, the unit began when all were students at Purchase College. After graduation, the three worked as a rhythm section for various New York City-based artists and toured the country, individually and collectively, several times. Jacob Pleakis, as a member of the indie rock band Hurrah! A Bolt of Light!, toured the country three times and recorded three albums. He also works extensively as a producer and arranger. Kenny Shaw has backed a number of contemporary artists, including Pete Francis, Joe Scarborough and Constantine Maroulis; has performed with Dispatch (described in the press as "one of independent rock’s most indelible acts"); and has appeared on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and "The View." Doug Drewes is versatile player who has worked with everyone from mainstream swingers like John Colianni to indie rock bands and hip hop ensembles. He's appeared at The Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall, among other prestigious venues, as well as on the NBC, MTV, USA and IFC television networks.

The genesis of this long-overdue project began in 2020, during the pandemic quarantine. The trio decided that was the time to begin working on a full-length album. They rented a secluded cabin in the woods for two weekends, and collectively composed "Bad at Words Twenty Years," the group's first, full-length album.

What makes "Bad at Words" uniquely refreshing is how the group seamlessly combines the diverse elements of the influences they name--1960s era jazz, funk, disco and yacht rock--to fashion something sparkling, exhilarating and sometimes electrifying music that is as much about melody as it is about improvisation. The stellar contributions of the two well-known guest stars, Ari Hoenig and Kenny Warren, help make this debut release something to play and play again. This is not pretentious music, and Bad at Words is not out to prove anything, except to make a joyful sound, and, as the members say, "to make music to move to."