Jazz Coalescence's new release In The Rain Shadow gives the jazz-rich community of the Pacific Northwest something to hang its hat on and sink its teeth into. An abundantly solid release from top to bottom, Rain Shadow features a mix of spirited originals and solid jazz classics, beautifully crafted arrangements, dynamic solos and synergistic ensemble work. The rock solid front line of trumpet, saxophone and trombone hearkens back to the classic sound of Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers, but Jazz Coalescence doesn't stop there. These talented individuals have used that as a jumping off point and forged their own identity. While each track has its own engaging personality, Firefly and Chris Amemiya's superb arrangement of Cedar Walton's classic Bolivia were standouts to this listener's ear. Small group jazz is in a sense, jazz in its purest form. Jazz fans and purists alike would be well advised to add this stellar release to their collection and keep an eye and ear out for Jazz Coalescence.