For those not in the know, following up their debut of composed music (Suite for the End of the Earth), avant-jazz group The Oddyssey Quartet's sophomore album We Are All Branches of the Same Tree is out now.

Featuring twelve improvised pieces from four uber-talented musicians - former Albert Ayler Quintet bassist Bill Folwell, former Sam Rivers Rivbea Orchestra saxophonist David Pate, Jose Cochez on drums, and Rex Shepherd on guitar and prepared guitar - listening to this incredible album it's hard to fathom how a quartet who have only played together a few times could have created such intense musical wonderment.

1. 'Surculus'
2. 'Osier'
3. 'Telgo'
4. 'Spray'
5. 'Switch'
6. 'Ramus'
7. 'Seten'
8. 'Bough'
9. 'Vimen'
10. 'Shrag'
11. 'Stofn'
12. 'Withie'

Beginning with the deeply rooted bass clarinet and sax moments of 'Surculus,' that's backed by the starkly sheer, yet playful and inquisitive jarring moments of 'Osier.' Much like the first track, albeit more jazz club lite, 'Telgor' is next and is backed seamlessly by both the perky, sprightly 'Spray' and the jagged orchestrations of 'Switch.'

The sax and clarinet come to the fore once again on the wavering beauty of 'Ramus,' with the drum-led 'Seten' and the spirited, animated feel of 'Bough' backing it up wonderfully. Cochez's drums really come to the fore on 'Vimen' with the loud, aggressive, and yet controlled 'Shrag' next.

The album the comes to a close with the perky and nibble guitar and bass clarinet work found within my own personal favorite track, 'Stofn,' with this 12 track work rounding out with the slow-cooked two minute guitar gem, 'Withie.'

No matter what brought them together and no matter how many sessions they had together before recording this album, We Are All Branches of the Same Tree ultimately showcases a cohesion of intuitive conversation; and demonstrates, in real time, that we, let alone they, are truly all branches of the same tree.

Digital Purchase Link

www.RexShep.com