Jazz Piano Trio / Spanish Guitar


Hello All,
I'm looking to broaden my musical pallet and I'd like to take some baby steps into jazz trios (piano, bass, drums). Please recommend some artists (groups?) that are easily accessible to virgin ears. I'd like to still hear a melodic line somewhere in the song, so nothing to avantgard or "free jazz"ish.... and of course sonic beauty is important as well, so I guess I'd be biased to more recent recordings.
I'm also looking for some recommendations of Spanish guitar artists. NO flamenco please, (yikes, too crazy for my tastes)..... just some beautiful Spanish guitar artists with albums that contain tracks that are solo guitar AND tracks with soft accompaniment.

"Momma let that boy play some rock and roll. Jazz is much too crazy, he can play that when he's old"

Guess I'm there, hehe :(
tgyeti
The Lynne Arriale Trio.

She plays beautiful, lyrical piano in a trio that includes a very unique drummer whose playing is also almost melodic. This is not New-Age music though, it's definitely jazz.

Her first three albums on the DMP label are the place to start. She has gotten a little less accessible since then.

I recommend this artist to anyone who likes jazz piano, not just people looking for an entrance point into jazz. Read the reviews of her albums at Allmusic.com. I can't understand why this woman is not better known by jazzers.

Also, maybe she's been overlooked because she's so obvious, but if you don't like Diana Krall you probably won't like jazz piano.
Trio Cd's

"Jaquees Loussier Plays Bach Encore" TELARC
Ray Brown "Some of My Best Friends Are.....The Piano Players" TELARC

"Spanish" Guitar

John Williams "El Diablo Suelto" and anything John Williams
Jose Antonio Escobar" Guitar Recital"
Julian Breem anything he plays
Band called "The Triangle".
you can listen to it here and see if yo like it. Band called "The Triangle".

Also, check out Lynne Arriale Trio
Here's a real strong recommendation.

Jason Vieaux, Guitar Recital, Naxos 553449

Wonderful performance, wonderful recording. Really shines on a good system.

Plays mainly Spanish "classical" composers, but they all still have that "Spanish" flavour. Merlin, Pujol, Orbon, Barrios, Bustamante, etc.

I can't imagine you not enjoying this.
Great examples already given,but just a couple more very good ones ImhO I did not see in the mix: Alan Broadbent Trio,Personal Standards,and David Hazeltine Trio,Classic Trio.Both are excellent sound quality on cd.Oh,yeah,one more excellent one,sound quality and music,George Cables Trio,A Letter to Dexter.