Departure by Joe Olnick Band

According to Joe,: "The sessions ran over the course of a year, recording mostly improvised ideas that came together in the studio, with no overdubs. What you hear is the band working alongside each other, responding to what the group is creating in the moment."

The first track, "Freeway", is a tribute to the legendary guitarist Jeff Beck, who also frequented the jazz-rock world that the Joe Olnick Band works in. "We've been compared to what he was doing, but we also bring modern influences as well. I was thrilled with how well it came together."

Both the tracks "Departure" as well as "Departure 2" were worked on for a long time, in contrast to the rest of the album. "Those pieces evolved quite a bit over the many sessions, as we experimented with different tempos and eventually created different sections entirely. We eventually settled on a vibe that reminded me at times of Pink Floyd, with soundscapes that really gave some room to get the emotion across. It's definitely a prog-rock statement from the group."

The third track, "Slap 22b", showcases the rhythm section and in particular the technique of bass wizard Jamie Aston. "The popping and slapping of the bass while keeping the killer groove going and going is truly something that was magic captured in the studio. Jamie just took that one over, and I was just digging it so much at the time. I knew this would be on the album as soon as I heard it!"

Many of the tracks also feature new member Tyler Most on the keyboards, who brings textures and solos that create a rich world that inspired tracks like "Snorkel", "Lighthouse", "Stomp", and "Bridge". According to Joe, "It's amazing how well he has fit in with our vision of the group impovisations. He picks up details so quickly. 'Snorkel' is the very first time we recorded together with him, and it is so solid, a great mood. I knew right then that he would be perfect. He adds so much."

Drummer Jesse Edmunds is "a constant engine of new rhythms, driving the jams and building things up to a frenzy at times. And also providing space as needed. His ability to create massive grooves on demand provides the foundation for the band's adventures. He's always up for trying new musical ideas and seeing what works."

Guitarist & Producer Joe Olnick explores new directions in modern instrumental music. His band has played notable venues such as World Cafe Live and Dawson Street Pub in Philadelphia, among many others. He also has performed as a solo ambient artist, with albums such as Wink Of An Eye and Live At The Candy Factory combining drifting atmospheres from both live and studio sessions.

"I like to move back and forth from ambient to band projects all of the time. It keeps things fresh and interesting over the years as I work to create original material. I've looked up to folks like Brian Eno, Miles Davis, and Nels Cline, who also shift musical gears at times."

Prolific guitarist Joe Olnick's albums & performances are instrumentally-based, with an emphasis on "avant-jam" grooves, improvisation, and ambient atmospheres.

joeolnick.com
Facebook
YouTube