Guitarist, Bob Dee’s impressive resume provides ample proof of his rather divergent credentials. Whether scoring for TV and the big screen or past performances with trumpeter Dave Douglas, pianist Cyrus Chestnut, and others, Dee boasts a well-rounded musical persona. However, this new release featuring his “Cosmosis” band highlights the artist’s penchant for merging some early jazz-fusion style nostalgic elements, with hip, cutting edge modern jazz interplay. Moreover, Dee possesses enviable chops to complement his obvious comfort zone with exploring various angles and tricky time signatures amid his bands’ propensity to teeter on the red zone. On pieces such as, “Chef of the Future” and “The Preacher,” the quartet often rekindles notions of the late Tony Williams’ renowned “Lifetime” unit, as Dee and organist/pianist, Adam Klipple engage in a blazing fury coupled with the rhythm sections’ limber yet undeniably, brawny attack.

The ensembles’ brisk approach is focused upon Klipple’s swirling keys, fluent right hand leads and Dee’s electrifying direction as the musicians also inject free jazz, gospel, and bluesy elements into the program. Otherwise, Dee’s artfully conceived compositions and the musicians scorching fireworks offer quite a bit more than the norm. (Four stars and three cheers for Bob Dee’s Cosmosis!)

Bob Dee