HUDSON

Drummer Jack DeJohnette, guitarist John Scofield bassist Larry Grenadier and keyboardist John Medeski all live in the Hudson River Valley, which stretches south from the New York state capital of Albany to the tip of Manhattan. The region’s towns are nestled amid the forests of the Catskill Mountains, with artists in residence because New York City is near, by train or car. Proximity may make it easy for these four to rehearse—but if so, look out!—because DeJohnette, in his prime lays fierce rhythms down. Tested as DeJohnette was in the bands of Miles Davis, Scofield revels in melodic tension and bluesy release. Medeski, even without his longstanding trio partners Billy Martin and Chris Wood, is impassioned on electric organ, piano and synths. This all sets Grenadier at the centre of a maelstrom he anchors with aplomb. As Hudson, the four are jazz-rock-fusion experts, eager and able to create instrumental music with a thrilling edge.