Three-Part Odyssey

Rich Pellegrin Quintet

Pianist Rich Pellegrin makes his debut as a bandleader with an ensemble comprised of some of the most exciting and forward-looking musicians of Seattle's younger generation: saxophonist Neil Welch, trumpeter R. Scott Morning, bassist Evan Flory-Barnes, and drummer Chris Icasiano. Three-Part Odyssey takes the listener on an epic journey through hypnotic grooves, expansive meditations, stark robotic textures, warm moments of rare beauty, and climactic plateaus of collective improvisation—all culminating in the haunting and deeply affecting final cut, "Maze."

This track is an experimental cover of Steve Reich’s minimalist piece “Piano Phase.”  Evan’s gorgeous bass work glues everything together but is almost totally inaudible on a laptop or phone.  So grab some headphones and check it out!

View/Purchase this album on the Origin Records website

Praise for Three-Part Odyssey

​A sound . . . that’s remarkably original, the playing often fierce and stormy, at other times restrained and unabashedly beautiful.  Pellegrin seems to have multiple influences, displaying at times the density and drive and penchant for repetition of pianist McCoy Tyner, elsewhere sounding free and unpredictable, like no one but himself on this superb debut.” 
     – All About Jazz  (★★★★½) (Dan McClenaghan)

Despite avant-garde edges . . . the band formulates an explorative brew which maintains an appetizing essence. . . . There is also a unique point of view and a vital collaborative perspective.”
     – Audiophile Audition  (Doug Simpson)

‘Three-Part Odyssey’ is a very strong album with complex melodies, great communication between artists and virtuoso improvisations. . . . ‘Three-Part Odyssey’ is very worthy of a dedicated listen and won’t disappoint.  This is a solid 4-stars.
     – The Jazz Line (★★★★) (Will Schoell)

An open and organic collaboration. . . . I’d look for more from these contributors.
     – Earshot Jazz Magazine  (Schraepfer Harvey)

Unlike much jazz that treads into the avant-garde, Pellegrin makes his explorations palatable.  There is a lushness to his playing that invites rather than repels. . . . Pellegrin has taken a usually impenetrable genre and brought some sophisticated accessibility.”
     – The Jazz Society of Oregon  (Kyle O’Brien)

Pellegrin reveals serious chops at the piano with a direct, compelling style, a stable of Seattle’s top session cats, and a roll of edgy compositions crafted and performed with vitality.
     – Seattle Weekly  (Gwendolyn Elliott)

It’s an adventurous album, especially for a debut. . . . There’s never a dull moment here.
     – All Music Guide  (Adam Greenburg)

In a very real way . . . they’re trying to communicate something new . . . they’re searching, searching, and trying to give you an urgent message in this most abstract of languages. . . . Listening to these sorts of long-form explorations, you can reconnect with that real-time, textured existence that has been swallowed up by texting and youtubing.  Pellegrin et al have a simple message: hear how I feel.  And, perhaps, if you’ll allow it, in that sacred din, hear yourself, too.
     – The Muse’s Muse  (Dan Cohen)

​This is a tight and tensely driven band of younger players, leaning hard into the prevailing post bop/avant winds streaming off the Pacific. . . . Played with authentically compelling commitment by all hands and embouchures. . . . This is rewarding music, well worth more than just a casual listen.”
     – Cadence Magazine  (Alan Bargebuhr)

Each member of the quintet demonstrates an ability to shape long, well-told stories with an intense mix of patience and bravado. . . . Pellegrin and company achieve cordial musical connections that are progressive and intense.”
     – The Jazz Word  (John Barron)

This CD is a great representation of what has been called the ‘New Seattle Sound.’
     – Jazz Now! Seattle  (David Marriott, Jr.)

Never a dull moment. . . . The number of long epic tracks allow the band to really put forward some great jam sessions full of music which will keep any jazz enthusiast well-entertained.
     – Sea of Tranquility  (Marc Johnson)

Each member of the band is a superlative player. . . . Seemingly, Pellegrin has cast a collective vision—the interplay and seamlessness on display is truly remarkable. . . . Three-Part Odyssey is a musical excursion worth taking.
     – Columbia Daily Tribune (Aarik Danielsen)

Solitude →