CD Review - By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com

Azul is the latest project from Portland, OR guitarist Mike Pardew who has teamed up with Damien Erskine on bass and Micah Kassell on drums for this release. Shifting jazz meters and intricate arpeggios along with dense layers of sound and a tinge of Latin influences combine for an interesting listen. Fans of Pat Metheny, Charlie Hunter and Medeski, Martin & Wood can all revel in the intricate styling of Pardew and Azul. The tracks "Welcome Home", "Flathead Lake", "Bigfork", "Azul" and Road Worn" all resonate here. For more on Mike Pardew check out www.mikepardew.com