There is still no “Jacob Fred” in the band, but The Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey has certainly lived up to the second half of its name over the course of 16 years and 20 albums. Founded by pianist Brian Haas in Tulsa, Okla., the group has honed its adventurous, improvisational acrobatics on the road since 1994, building on a Jazz foundation but fearlessly experimenting with whatever sounds happen to be in the vicinity.
The group has been a “Jam band” fan favorite equally embraced by the Jazz world, which has deemed JFJO one of the ensembles capable of pushing Jazz into the future with the creative vitality to keep new generations interested in the uniquely American artform.
The Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey play the Blue Wisp Jazz Club Thursday. Go here for Mike Breen’s full Sound Advice recommendation.
This article appears in Sep 8-14, 2010.