Odd Meters EP
Odd Meters
Odd Meters

Cleveland expat Jon Morrow won the 1999 High School Rock-Off before leaving the area to attend college in North Carolina. He's been playing around the east coast with The Galen Kipar Project until recently -- when he settled into a jazz-blender duo, in the spirit of Medeski Martin & Wood, Bill Frisell and Tortoise, called Odd Meters. Their eponymous debut EP -- which pours the foundation for a full-length effort later this year -- features a handful of original, oddly-timed jazz-funk compositions.

Blending in elements of Latin jazz and worldbeat, Morrow offers a unique delivery on a hybrid 8-string bass/guitar. Paired with drummer/ percussionist/ producer Shane Parreco, the results are globally aware, free-flowing and minimalist. From the opening strains of "Fortie" to the inquisitive "Darjeeling," Odd Meters is pretty hot. With special guests Jeff Sipe (ARU, Keller Williams, Trey Anastasio), Kofi Burbridge (Derek Trucks Band), Mike Seal (Jeff Coffin Mu'tet) and others, it seems that Morrow has done pretty well for himself. This is definitely niche jazz, but it should suit most ears nicely.

Check out Odd Meters during their CD release party this Friday, May 1 at Wilbert's Food & Music on Huron Rd. with special guests, locally-based indie-rock trio Return of Simple. Learn more about the band here and visit Wilbert's online at http://www.WilbertsMusic.com. Listen to samples of the Odd Meters by clicking here.

From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

Wanna get reviewed? Send your band's CD (less than 1 year old) to: Cool Cleveland, 14837 Detroit Avenue, #105, Lakewood, OH 44107

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