PKO Records proudly presents Odyssey, an outstanding and powerful jazz trio CD from pianist Tad Weed, bassist Kurt Krahnke and drummer Sean Dobbins. Odyssey is a moving and spectacular, 75-minute, epic journey in sound and creativity. A straight-ahead, modern jazz CD, from three of Michigan's finest jazz musicians, Odyssey contains an enjoyable mix of familiar, standard and non-standard repertoire, imaginative modern arrangements, spontaneous interplay and adventurous and virtuostic improvisation. The trio of Tad Weed, Kurt Kranhke and Sean Dobbins performs frequently at the Firefly Club in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Odyssey was recorded LIVE at the Firefly Club in front of an appreciative audience on February 10, 2006. Now, let this trio take you on a jazz Odyssey of discovery, amazement and delight.

Pianist Tad Weed migrated from Michigan to California in 1978. While living in L.A., Tad played in the bands of Woody Herman, Carmen McCrea and Charles Lloyd. Since returning to Michigan in 2000, Tad has, of course, become "the go-to pianist" on the Detroit/Ann Arbor scene. Tad is a magnificent "sound-painter" at the piano, mixing colors, lines, layers and patterns and creating textures to build, shade and shape the music in interesting, and often, unexpected ways. Bassist Kurt Krahnke provides a solid rhythmic pulse and harmonic foundation upon which everything else is built. His solo work is ingenius: sometimes quirky and humorous, sometimes introspective and poignant, always melodic and swinging! Among musicians and jazz-o-files, Kurt is one of the most well-respected and well-loved jazz bassists. Drummer Sean Dobbins' exuberant personality jumps right out through his music. His extraordinary musicianship and youthful enthusiasm, combined with his mature and sensitive accompaniment are on display throughout Odyssey. All three musicians are in great demand to accompany other local, regional and national jazz artists but it's as this unit that they shine brightest.

Odyssey also contains lovely photography and thoughtful liner notes by Ann Arbor poet and jazz musician Pat Smith. The liner notes use Greek mythology as a thought-provoking metaphor for this CD.

Odyssey opens with Along Came Betty, a jazz classic composed by one of the trio's heroes, Benny Golson. The trio's arrangement in 5/4 time, was inspired by Tad's and Sean's latest gig with Benny Golson at the Firefly Club.

The second track, I Don't Know Why, is a contemporary song made popular by Nora Jones. Blues, Gospel and Latin feels are incorporated into Tad's unique arrangement.

Next is a tune from our television heritage: The Theme from The Family Guy animated cartoon. The trio tips it's hat to The Three Sounds on this one. From Tad's exciting, solo piano intro, to Kurt's witty bass solo, to Sean's dazzling drum solo, this track sizzles from begin to end with high energy and a deep groove. Lots of fun, especially if you know and love the TV show!

John Lennon and Paul McCartney's I Will is performed here with a free and sensitive feel. I Will is the trio's tribute to the composers, two of America's most well-known and beloved song writers and performers.

The trio turns up the heat with their mambo version of Cole Porter's standard What Is This Thing Called Love. Extended solos from Weed, Krahnke and Dobbins are hypnotizing in their depth and beauty. Caliente!

The trio jazzes up some more contemporary fare with their Wonder Medley, an homage to Stevie Wonder. The Wonder Medley includes two Stevie classics: Isn't She Lovely and Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing. Tad's arrangement switches between Latin and swing feels and features patented Tad Weed reharmonizations of both tunes. Enjoy a new jazz approach to these two well-known Pop tunes.

Track seven is Gerry Mulligan's Five Brothers, done here with a bright swing feel and a marvelous bowed bass solo from Kurt Krahnke. This is swinging!

Our musical Odyssey comes to a end with Bobby Timmons' Dat Dere. Sean Dobbins says, "Since I was a very young musician, I have always been nuts for Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. Dat Dere is our salute to Buhaina."

Odyssey is a triumphant album by three great jazz musicians whose music combines traditional values and high standards with modern concepts, forward thinking and originality: pianist Tad Weed, bassist Kurt Krahnke and drummer Sean Dobbins.