Three-Part Odyssey

"Pianist Rich Pellegrin makes his debut as a bandleader with an ensemble comprised of some of the most exciting and forward-looking musicians of Seattle's younger generation: saxophonist Neil Welch, trumpeter R. Scott Morning, bassist Evan Flory-Barnes, and drummer Chris Icasiano. Three-Part Odyssey takes the listener on an epic journey through hypnotic grooves, expansive meditations, stark robotic textures, warm moments of rare beauty, and climactic plateaus of collective improvisation?all culminating in the haunting and deeply affecting final cut, "Maze." (http://www.oa2records.com/oa2/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=22079, 2011).

The performers include: R. Scott Morning, on trumpet and flugelhorn; Neil Welch, on tenor saxophone; Rich Pellegrin, on piano; Evan Flory-Barnes, on bass; and Chris Icasiano, on drums.

This is an excellent jazz album full of interesting and challenging sound and great instrumentation. There is enough of a mix of textures and rhythms to keep this among your favorite collection of jazz recordings. Never a dull moment, as piano, deep bass, excellent spirited drumming, sax, trumpet, and flugelhorn keep the soundscape full of inspired playing. The number of long epic tracks allow the band to really put forward some great jam sessions full of music which will keep any jazz enthusiast well entertained. The band mixes everything from traditional to smooth jazz together to capture the full range of the abilities of these talented artists.