Stay Gold is the first release of another reconfigured Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey lineup, which welcomes new bassist Jeff Harshbarger. Founding member Reed Mathis left the band in early 2009, after the masterful Winterwood album. But Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey are used to change as the one consistency of the band over the past fifteen years has been founding member keyboardist Brian Haas. The current Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey lineup which also includes drummer Josh Raymer and lap steel guitarist Chris Combs, has gelled on the road, and Stay Gold is a gorgeous, flowing, and melodic experimental jazz album.
With the departure of Mathis, keyboardist Brian Haas is the only original member of Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey still left in the band. As a result, he dominates the musical vision of JFJO, but certainly shares the spotlight, often playing more of a rhythmic, supporting role on piano while other members take leads. Combs pedal steel dominates the opening track “Sensation of Seeing Light,” while Josh Raymer steals the show with his unusual drumming on “Trampoline Phoenix.” Raymer has now been with JFJO for three years, and is a perfect fit for the band, establishing himself as one of the best and most creative young jazz drummers out there.
The current lineup of JFJO has toured relentlessly since coming together, and have developed such a strong chemistry and rapport with each other that the listener may forget that they just lost one of their founding members and leaders for the past fifteen years, Reed Mathis. This is JFJO’s second release without Mathis, but whereas their 2009 EP One Day In Brooklyn felt a bit rushed and uneven (as EP’s almost always do), Stay Gold is a beautiful studio album that rivals anything else the band has ever released. It may have taken two musicians to fill Mathis’ shoes (as he played, bass, lap steel and electric guitar), but JFJO have moved on and flourished, and this album is a great example of their new sound.
Stay Gold, released on JFJO’s own Kinnara records, is available on CD, vinyl, and mp3.
