Tom Ollendorff: Where In The World

Since 2021, guitarist Tom Ollendorff has been evolving his sound over two promising albums. Where In The World marks a flowering of his talent, showing sophisticated playing and refined composing. Some of the impetus for this progression stems from his first collaboration with pianist Aaron Parks, whose style forms a natural synergy with Ollendorff's and proves the ideal vehicle for these pieces. Joining them are Ollendorff's long- standing musical partners: bassist Conor Chaplin and drummer James Maddren.

The association with Parks dates back to March 2024, when he joined Ollendorff's band for a 10-day tour of the UK and Ireland. This successful template was carried forward into the recording session for this album, which has nine tracks, all Ollendorff originals. As Ollendorff puts it, "I wanted to create an album which explored my whole musical identity through my compositions and recaptured the band energy of our previous tour."

The guitarist's trademark lyricism is immediately apparent in the opening to "Past Lives." Described as a piece about memory and the weight of the past, the warm melody has guitar and piano weaving together over a soothing groove before Ollendorff's thoughtfully constructed solo builds multiple layers of texture.

One of the album highlights is a fresh version of "Three Bridges," a track that initially appeared on Ollendorff's second album, Open House (Fresh Sound New Talent, 2023). This time, the track, with piano replacing the tenor saxophone part in the original, really comes to fruition with a joyous groove and mesmeric exchanges between guitar and piano.

Parks makes excellent contributions throughout the album with impeccable solos and employing creativity and subtlety in his accompaniment, notably weaving around Ollendorff's masterful solo on the impressionistic "West Lake."

Ollendorff's varied compositions allow him to show his range: agility on "Last Leap," a rockier edge on "Meaningless Mirror" and a gentle touch on the title track. Meanwhile, Chaplin and Maddren provide an exemplary rhythmic foundation throughout while also stepping forward with fine solos, Chaplin on "Tokyo Waltz" and Maddren on "Last Leap."

The superb "Atlantic Angels" closes an album whose tone is warm and inviting throughout, with Ollendorff sounding totally assured. His playing is expressive and unhurried with elegantly shaped improvisations. The compositions feature vibrant melodies realized by a quartet so tight that their playing feels utterly relaxed.

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