Album Notes

After two years of steady Monday nights playing original compositions with Chicago hornmen Mitch Paliga and Ryan Shultz, Guitarist Steve Ramsdell felt the need to re-focus his musical direction. John Erickson's recent solo piano CD, joined by bassist Steve Rodby, explored lyricism within atmospheric textures. The Erickson Ramsdell Quartet grew out of John's and Steve's piano-guitar duo sessions and their joint desire to continue developing within the jazz tradition. Over one summer the duo established a melodic and conceptual connection working through a vast spectrum of tunes, ranging from John Abercrombie to Fats Waller. This musical core was augmented with the addition of drummer Todd Howell and bassist Patrick Williams completing the Quartet.

"Conservationists in the best sense of the word. Ramsdell and Erickson adhere to the tenets of all fine jazz: never selling short on intellect, sensitivity and passion for detail."

John MacCalkies, New City Chicago