Rob Ryndak has seasoned a blend of ”wonderful” into this mix of eleven of his original, world beat infused jazz tunes.

For A Wonderful Thing, the talented pianist-composer Rob Ryndak has put together an eclectic but unified set of original music. As with his four previous recordings, he has created a set of jazz-inspired music that does not fall into any specific category and is full of both unpredictability and memorable melodies.
Nearly all of the participants, including trumpeter Tito Carrillo and saxophonist Geof Bradfield, played for the first time with Ryndak on this project, making the results fresh and spontaneous.
There is a lot of variety in the music, reflecting Rob Ryndak”s interest in other cultures and his willingness to stretch himself and his musicians. The opening ”Rhythmic Nature” is mostly in 7/4 time, has a strong Brazilian feel, and features excellent solos from Bradfield on tenor, Carrillo and guitarist Sasha Brusin. ”Chisel,” a bossa nova influenced by Grover Washington Jr., showcases Bradfield on soprano. ”Childlike,” is funky and catchy, has fine work by electric bassist Rob Kassinger, and includes some wailing tenor by Art Sherrod Jr.
Ryndak”s piano is in the spotlight during the ballad ”A Wonderful Thing,” and he plays the introduction to ”T.D,” a tribute to his friend the late trombonist and euphonium player Tara Davis. ”Quietude” is a change of pace, a free improvisation for a quartet that sounds quite coherent and melodic, as if it was a written-out piece. ”Chasing Dreams” combines together reggae rhythms with strong jazz solos, ”Purely Simple” (which has Art Sherrod”s soprano in the lead) is a simple but effective New Age melody, and ”Apophatic” includes some fiery playing over cha cha rhythms. A Wonderful Thing concludes with the haunting blues ”Hard Not To Notice” which was inspired by the late pianist James Williams, and pretty flugelhorn playing by Carrillo on the ballad ”In My Arms.”

Additional Details

Label: Pacific Coast Jazz

Genre: Jazz

Run Time: 48:25 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 01/29/13

UPC: 829166722003