Late last spring, the Bridge Trio released their second album The Search: Departure. Modern, electric, and eclectic the Bridge Trio succeeds where many others fail as this is a true full album rather than simply a collection of songs released together. The album flows within its soothing modern jazz style from thoughtful and moody on songs like "The Search" and "Wondering" to hip and upbeat on songs like "The Encourager" and "Hipness," which is an homage to Alvin Batiste. The Search: Departure touches on other genres, including funk, blues, and swing in thirteen original tracks. The trio added synthesizer and layers to multiple tracks, weaving a rich and unexpected sound throughout the album.

The Search: Departure showcases the trio's honed musicianship well. Percussionist Joe Dyson shines on "Forever Changed." Pianist Conun Pappas, Jr.'s skills are highlighted on the album's opening track, "Access Approved" and "Real." Bassist Max Moran adds flavor to "Warrior" and "To New Orleans." The trio gels especially well on "The Encourager" and "Forever Changed." Lightheartedness is interwoven into numerous tracks, most notably on "Keep Cool," a song that immediately invoked driving along the Florida coastline. The album closes on a dreamy note with "The Smile Within."

The Bridge Trio has performed together for years. They first garnered acclaim in high school at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts while performing under the tutelage of Donald Harrison, who took the trio out of the country as his backing band before their first days of college. While they were still in high school, Alvin Batiste granted the band its first performing opportunities at Snug Harbor.

In OffBeat Magazine, WWOZ's Tuesday "Morning Set" show host Mark LaMaire imparted that "these three musicians are deeply connected to the roots of New Orleans music while, similar to their mentor, never shying away from taking the music in new directions. Their self-titled debut is a modern-jazz gem that spotlights a diverse range of original material played with soul, dynamism and musical sensibility."

Buy on CD or download on mp3 at CDBaby or iTunes, or visit the Bridge Trio's own website.

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