Open Letter

The enormous ampersand that dominates the album cover gives way, when opened, to a sparse line drawing of the two Dryes, facing each other, ostensibly deep in communication about the music. The collaborative efforts don't start and end with the artwork; this double CD features ten original compositions, five by the elder Drye and five by the younger, each written to honor an influence from the composer's musical journey. The Drye's are joined by a bevy of top-flight musicians who provide the alchemy that turns this meeting of the minds and notes into something that is far greater than the sum of it's tunes. In addition to the Dryes, Open Letter features Jeff Hermanson on trumpet and fluegelhorn, Mike McGinnis (a band-mate of Brian's in the excellent chamber ensemble The Four Bags) on winds, Dan Fabricatore on bass, and Vinnie Sperrazza at the drum kit. In an age where records and compositions go on forever, this double-disc set feels refreshing in it's efficiency, a hearkening back to the era of 45s. All ten songs are well-contained, executed with respect and restraint, but never lacking in intensity. Despite being raised in two different generations of jazz, the two discs meld seamlessly; each Drye utilizes his compositional chops in the service of the overall feel.