& Friends

The title cut 'Souldjourner' was co-written by myself and Tim Hanrahan, and for me, is a traveling tune. The immediate vibe is openness and it's simple harmonic structure allows the soloists to create a sound scape. The head itself is a crystallization of that effect, and the song form at the beginning and end gives us fence posts to hang our musical ideas on, Rumba Grave' is a harmonically complex tune I wrote that builds tension through the simple melody that pulls on the changes, which are somewhat reminiscent of 'Nefertiti' by Wayne Shorter. This piece gives Dave Wall a chance to propel the music from underneath. The three standards on this CD were included because of their complete balance structure, melodically and harmonically. They fit the intent of the original compositions and create an overall arc on the CD as a whole. Jay's compositional contributions really made for creative melodic invention throughout this recording. Thank you Jay, John and all the musicians and especially Thad Jones for writing timeless music that inspires. Curt Hanrahan Quartet Souljourner Blujazz By Bill Milkowski On his third effort, Milwaukee-based saxophonist, composer and educator Curt Hanrahan is joined by guitarist Jay Mollerskov, bassist Tim Hanrahan and drummer Dave Wall. Pianist Jim Sodke guests on the mysterious modal title track, which finds Hanrahan exploring freely on flute. Mollerskov's Pirate vs. Ninja, with Hanrahan blowing urgent tenor, is grounded in hard bop; Hanrahan's tenor work also highlights the guitarist's moody Proclivity. The quartet turns in a sparkling rendition of Branislau Kaper's Invitation, and closes with a Thad Jones medley of his swinging 3 in 1 and tender A Child Is Born.