Andrew Rathbun & Gary Versace: Episodes [CD], Andrew / Gary Versace Rathbun, CD

Tenor saxophonist Andrew Rathbun and pianist Gary Versace-longtime collaborators on several acclaimed SteepleChase sessions-meet for the first time as a duo on Episodes, revealing a striking new dimension in their musical partnership. Versace's chameleon like ability to shift color, texture, and groove pairs seamlessly with Rathbun's ever evolving compositional voice, whose pieces here range from unmetered shapes to baroque tinged counterpoint and driving ostinati. The duo's interplay is vivid and deeply attuned: Versace favors linear, wriggling motion over harmonic cushions, while Rathbun's improvisations unfold with narrative clarity, balancing modern language with melodic focus. Across the surreal, atmospheric 'Episodes' series and the contrasting standalone works, the two push themselves into unfamiliar territory, crafting music that feels exploratory and quietly daring-an inspired debut for a duo with limitless potential.'Rathbun is a unique voice on saxophone with a style and sound of his own.' (Ed Sapiega - Jazzview)'All For Now (SCCD 31933) makes a solid case for what an all-around inventive player Gary Versace is. ' (DownBeat)