Jazz guitarist David Pedrick (a native of Pennsylvania) just released his latest album called Three. It features David Pedrick — guitar, Mike Bitts — bass, Aaron Walker — drums and delivers 53+ minutes of classic improvisational Jazz. This album is the result of an experiment to create a live and unrehearsed single work of collective improvisation that remains accessible on multiple levels for the listener. The unifying concept of the project relies on a minimal framework of designated meters, tempos and sonorities based upon the number three. The framework is at once intended to provide continuity and facilitate a free exchange of ideas between three musicians with equal roles. Each selection on this recording is a first take whose beginning, middle and end was unknown at the outset. Pedrick reminds me of John Abercrombie, John McLaughlin, Larry Coryell, Phillip Catherine and even Joseph LoDuca. If that’s not a compliment I don’t know what is. Today music has many people feeling of bit of soullessness — how appropriate I get a CD by an artist like Pedrick. The album begins in hooky fashion with the magnificent ‘One” which is a crisp raid on the senses, laden with hooks and impressive chops from Pedrick, Bitts and walker. The only surprise is that it wasn’t a single on Premier Jazz radio stations, as it is relatively radio friendly within this genera to the highest order. ‘Two” follows and is a pleasant journey through a Progressive-Jazz-Passion play. The melodic harmonies beautifying what could have been a hypnotic number. “Three” is my personal favourite and is an exceptionally dynamic song showcasing syncopated brilliance with priceless movements and an infectious feel. In the end Pedricka and company are a real breath of fresh air and a shock to everyday musical system presently in place. The song titles are typical of improvised performances no doubt, and this is world class Jazz the way it was meant to be played. In summary ‘Three” delivers everything you would expect of professional grade Jazz release and is in itself an amazing 53+ minute journey. Out of the whole album, 4 songs are in the category of brilliant, 3 of them are good, and there are only 1 I’d find myself wanting to skip in rotation. I wouldn’t be surprised if Pedrick continues to get more popular as this Summer unwinds.
Rating 4.5/5 Stars
Official URL: http://www.davidpedrick.com/
Clay Burton edited by Heather Savage
Review comments — heathresavage5@gmail.com
