Exploring Mars

If space travel involves great jazz music like Josh produces with his piano & trumpet (joined by a whole host of high-talent players), I've no doubt we would have a horde of folks signing up for the voyage. While it remains totally accessible, even for the traditional of jazz listeners, Josh makes it move in directions that you don't hear coming...songs like the wonderfully intriguing "Curiosity" weave through changes that many accomplished jazz players wouldn't be able to keep up with. The percussion intro on "Opportunity" leads the listener into sonic discoveries that are both exciting and challenging, and the rapid pace keeps you on your toes to anticipate the next change in the sequence. Think of the compositions as a kind of "Jazz From Hell" (Zappa) on steroids. I was most impressed with the 6:22 "Sojourner"... it's my favorite of the ten offered up, and certainly falls in the running for my favorite of 2015... this is some of the coolest jazz I've heard (yet) this year, and certainly merits the MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED I've giving it, as well as an "EQ" (energy quotient) rating of 4.99.