Atlanta-based trio The Cheap Ensemble plays chamber jazz inspired by the Paul Motian Trio, and takes the inspiration for its name from Ronnie Scott's quote "I play very cheaply, but I don't play free." Drummer Dana Fitzsimons(who studied both music and law, and has continued to perform as much as possible while also practicing law) first encountered saxophonist Chris Otts at a local jam session; inquiries about possible guitarists all led to Patrick Arthur.