Excursions & Adventures / Various Excursions & Adventures / Various CD

It's a delight to hear three supremely talented musicians find common ground, especially considering it's their first recording together. As many know, pianist Tim Ray, bassist John Patitucci, and drummer Terri Lyne Carrington have diverse backgrounds, styles, and experience, but share a common connection to Berklee College. Ray, currently Tony Bennett's musical director, is a longtime road companion to Lyle Lovett and Jane Siberry. Patitucci initially made a name for himself with the great Chick Corea and has spent the better part of the last two decades with Wayne Shorter. Carrington, also with Shorter and a myriad of other great jazz artists, is at the vanguard of today's drum corps, with power, finesse, and a vision for the instrument that few can match. They come together on Excursions and Adventures, a powerful inaugural recording session for this trio that often transcends description with it's gorgeous fidelity, colorful arrangements, and fabulous, nuanced performances. There are originals, like Patitucci's NOLA-inspired "Messiaen's Gumbo," Carrington's "Samsara," an ode to Shorter, which previously appeared on her acclaimed Jazz Is a Spirit album, along with Ray's "Yo 11," which is as enjoyably rhythmic as it is whimsical. There are a few pop covers to note, as well, including Billy Preston's "Nothing from Nothing," and the Stones' rocker "Paint It Black," both of which show remarkable and unpredictable invention. Again, much of this gorgeous session defies description, and requires your uninterrupted attention.