(OZmosis Records)

The collaboration of pianist Rachel Z and drummer Omar Hakim is a potent musical marriage. Both Z, whose family name is Nicolazzo, and Hakim play with a wonderfully colorful, lyrical feel and energy, so it’s not a wonder that their styles would fit together. The now-husband and wife team are joined on this project by bassist Maeve Royce who handles the bass work with great virtuosity, as well. What adds even more heft to the recording is not only the outstanding musicianship, but the quality of the album’s 10 tracks, which are terrifically re-imagined covers of tunes associated with Coldplay, Sting, Duke Ellington, Peter Gabriel and Depeche Mode, among others. The unit boldly ventures out and listening to them explore the grooves of these compositions is an incredibly engaging experience. On every level, The Trio of OZ is a match made in heaven.