Ethan Ardelli has drummed on several award-winning albums but steps out into the light as bandleader on The Island of Form. Like many contemporary jazz artists, he draws his inspiration eclectically—from Cuban music as well Charles Mingus. He’s accompanied by a talented combo including lyrical saxophonist Luis Deniz and pianist Chris Donnelly, who lends a touch of Thelonious Monk as well as Bill Evans. Ardelli takes time to solo but his percussion is generally part of an ensemble mix of occasionally exotic chord progressions and varied tempos.
