Frode Gjerstad has for many years declared his enthusiasm towards small line-ups, and especially trio. The trio line up gives space for the musicians, but is at the same time very depending on the musician's physics and musicality. Recently he has worked in the duo format with amongst others Peter Brötzmann. With over 20 recordings as a leader he has established himself as a major saxophonist on the international scene.

His trios have included Johnny Dyani, Kent Carter and John Stevens, William Parker and Rashied Bakr, and William Parker and Hamid Drake, whom he toured the US with in 2000. This was his first Norwegian trio.