Excursions is Mr. Gee's third release, following two solo recordings, Concert at Lowell Hall (Inner Ground Records 1999), and Fingerprints (GGM 1994.) He plays dramatic piano, expressing classical harmonies and dynamics through the free form of jazz. The technique and textures in his music reflect influences ranging from Beethoven, Ravel and Stravinsky, to Lyle Mays and Keith Jarrett. Keyboard Magazine hailed Fingerprints as “serious, passionate, solo piano, beautifully recorded and very listenable." Gee's playing has also won the attention and praise of such notable pianists as Patrick Moraz and Lyle Mays. Mr. Gee studied classical piano at Indiana University and contemporary music at Berklee College of Music. He has also served on the faculty at Berklee. On Excursions, piano and drums meet and meld, challenge and submit, frolic and romp in this duo performance by Gee and Gold. Gold's dynamic articulation supports and punctuates the piano's lush tones; Gee's round phrases cushion and deliver the force of the drums.
“I decided to do an album with Russ because of the extraordinary communication we have with each other as musicians, “ Gee says. “His drumming and cymbal work give amazing depth to the piano sound, while leaving me free harmonically to go where I want."
David Berkowitz of CBS Records describes Russ Gold's drumming as “Inventive" and “an uncanny combination of power, drive, and delicate touch." He has toured extensively throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia, performing with jazz, rock, fusion, and theatre groups. “His musicianship and timing were extraordinary", wrote Joe Watts of the Montrose Voice in Houston, Texas, acclaiming Mr. Gold's performance as solo multi-percussionist with the American Repertory Theatre. His performing experience includes work with musicians as diverse as Seth Justman (J. Geils Band), Gary Lyons (producer of the Rolling Stones, Cyndi Lauper, and the Grateful Dead), CBS artists Full Circle, and jazz greats George Adams, Sam Rivers, and Howard Johnson. During his tenure with Full Circle, the band won “Best Jazz Group" at the 1986 San Sebastian Jazz Festival in Spain, and garnered Boston Music Awards' “Best Jazz Record on a Major Label" in 1988.
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