Outer Reaches is Ralph Peterson’s homage to the rich Jazz Organ
history he both influenced by and an integral part of. The band does
fresh arrangements of the songs from that CD stretching the boundaries
of the vocabulary of what most people think Jazz Organ to be. This
band re-introduces and showcases Pat Bianchi as a major voice on
Organ as well as two more incredible young talents, Josh Evans on Trumpet
and Jovan Alexandre on Tenor.
Fives years ago Ralph Peterson met organist Pat Bianchi in Denver Co.
At a clinic and gig at UC Boulder. Immediately upon meeting an accord
was struck between the two musicians. They have a connection that is
sometimes telepathic and this group Unity is the platform to showcase
their amazing musical connection.
Peterson’s history with jazz organ goes back more then 25 years to the
jazz clubs of New Jersey like Mr. West and Sparky J’s. Here Peterson
cut his teeth with musical greats like Leo Johnson, Gene Phipps, Eddie
Gladden, and Dave Eubanks. He was deeply influenced as well by the
great Larry Young and his Unity recording.
The release of OUTER REACHES also marks the launch of Peterson's
own Onyx Music Label, as well as his 15th CD as a leader.