"Musical lightning in a bottle." This debut release, featuring Earl Klugh saxophonist Lenny Price, was recorded live and captures the band's trademark energy, communication, and groove. The result is a masterful blend of contemporary and traditional jazz.

9 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Jazz quartet, JAZZ: Crossover Jazz



Details:
ORIGINAL CD LINER NOTES
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Who could have imagined the musical journey the Galileo Quartet was to take when it was formed in the fall of 2004? A happy coincidence of Lenny Price (longtime Earl Klugh saxophonist) arriving in Ellensburg to attend Central Washington University at the same time as Dan Taylor, with Greg Lyman and Marshall Bilodeau returning for another year, provided the opportunity for these talented individuals to join forces. I still remember their debut performance packed with listeners anticipating a great musical experience... and that it was!

It was apparent from the beginning that this group would venture into contemporary jazz territory while at the same time paying homage to those that have gone before. This recording echoes that philosophy with diverse material from the pens of Metheny/Mays, Shorter, Brecker, Monk and Turrentine. And, while each of these tunes is laid out in similar fashion to the originally recorded version, Galileo personalizes their renditions with variation and conception that expand the tradition of small group jazz performance. Itâs a thrill to hear Dan stretch out on tunes like African Skies and Straight No Chaser with the context of thought firmly in place. Great grooves are a hallmark of this group due in large part to the exceptional and unobtrusive playing of Greg. However, he also has plenty to say as a soloist as evidenced by his fine ride on All the Things You Are. Check out Marshallâs super-musical approach to communication, time and feel on tunes such as Have You Heard and Sugar and his well developed theme and variation solo concept on African Skies. And then there is Lenny who has the diverse musical background to provide direction, motivation and validity to everything that this group does. Where would Galileo be without Lenny? Itâs tough to say. But with him involved, they are ever moving forward⦠ever reaching for new musical places.

Each member of the Galileo Quartet has played professionally with a number of players. But what has been so gratifying to hear is the collective voice of the group take shape â one shaped by experience, youth, broad musical influences and creativity. It is a group and sound that can stand the test of time, the ears of critics and will spawn musical directions as yet to be determined for all.

Chris Bruya
Director of Jazz Studies, Central Washington University
June 2005