Album Notes

Jazz Paths Cross on CD from Bob Ravenscroft

“Intersections 1” is Latest Disc from Pianist’s Talented Trio
August 2007 Release

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — (July 27, 2007) It all comes together, literally, on the compelling new CD from jazz keyboard innovator Bob Ravenscroft. Appropriately called Intersections 1 (Ravenswave Recordings), the new release finds his trio merging magically on six uncompromising originals, finding common ground from which they can then take off in exciting improvisational directions.
As was the case with the group’s other recent albums Three Alone and Fire in the Soul, acoustic jazz lovers will welcome the intense focus of Intersections 1. This is contemporary jazz as it was meant to be played, combining the bold forays of Ravenscroft’s searching piano with the buoyant, propelling bass of Steve Millhouse and the always exploratory percussive edge of drummer Rob Schuh.
The album opens with the 14-minute “Dreams,” a veritable stream of jazz consciousness, and never looks back. Compositions have single-word titles like “Strength,” “Velocities” and “Reassurances,” and their moods range from gorgeously impressionistic to searingly propellant. Every cut is an unpredictable adventure of free expression. The album ends with a very satisfying “Arrival,” one of Ravenscroft’s finest originals to date.
And there’s yet another “star” at work on Intersections 1. This is the debut recording of “The Ravenscroft,” a special grand piano literally inspired by the musician. It was hand crafted by master technician Michael Spreeman of Scottsdale-based Spreeman Piano Innovations, and some local musicians are calling The Ravenscroft the most incredible sounding piano they’ve ever heard or played. It certainly sparkles at every turn on this new CD.

Enjoy the ride, as you won’t be disappointed in the journey. “Intersections” was derived from the analogy of three different vehicles traveling similar paths, perhaps at different velocities, and meeting at various intersections along the way…