One of my favorite jazz CDs is of Duke Ellington, Max Roach, and Charles Mingus playing as a trio. In the spirit of "bass, drums, and someone with serious chops," I think it qualifies. Or, in the spirit of "piano, bass, and someone with serious chops," or "piano, drums, and someone with serious chops..."

Another favorite is a collection of Charlie Parker stuff. Awe-inspiring.