Wake Up Call by pianist Rick Roe delivers a focused, modern statement that balances lyrical clarity with rhythmic urgency, reflecting his long-standing presence in the Upper Midwest jazz scene. The album unfolds with a sense of purpose, pairing Roe’s harmonically inquisitive piano writing with a band that moves easily between open-ended interplay and tightly shaped […]
Wake Up Call by pianist Rick Roe delivers a focused, modern statement that balances lyrical clarity with rhythmic urgency, reflecting his long-standing presence in the Upper Midwest jazz scene. The album unfolds with a sense of purpose, pairing Roe’s harmonically inquisitive piano writing with a band that moves easily between open-ended interplay and tightly shaped forms. Roe is joined by Brandon Wozniak on tenor saxophone, Chris Bates on bass, and Pete Hennig on drums, a lineup that supports both the melodic directness of the themes and the elastic groove that runs through the session. The repertoire blends original compositions by Roe with carefully chosen material from the jazz canon, allowing the pianist’s writing voice to sit naturally alongside established composers without stylistic friction. Throughout the recording, the emphasis remains on conversation and momentum rather than display, resulting in a cohesive album that rewards attentive listening and underscores Roe’s commitment to thoughtful, contemporary jazz expression
