Big Crinkly Trio was formed in 2010 by Jim Knodle, Doug Lilla and Pete Turner, three musicians who have a long history, but hadn't played together for some time. The band consists of the slightly unusual trio instrumentation of trumpet, bass and drums with each member trying to maintain balance with the other two. The material they present consists of original music by all three members in addition to pieces by Monk, Steve Swallow, Carla Bley, Bill Frisell, Dave Holland and others. Mixing written material with improvisation in old and new ways the band strives for a continuing expansion of ideas and vocabulary...really just a humble attempt to make music live and breathe. The band rehearses on a regular basis regardless of any upcoming gigs.

The name of the band is a nod to the Alexander Calder sculpture that used to grace Seattle's downtown, but has since moved on. Fittingly the sculpture featured three elements in balance.