Josh Nelson - Exploring Mars (2015)

"Exploring Mars" is Josh Nelson's sixth recording as a leader, and where he ambitiously explores the Red Planet through exciting original compositions. Whimsically named after each Mars Rover - Curiosity, Opportunity, Sojourner, and Spirit - the bulk of the material features a stellar West Coast ensemble of jazz stars, including trumpeter John Daversa, guitarist Larry Koonse and trombonist Alan Ferber. Rounding out the record is a gorgeous love song featuring vocalist Kathleen Grace, a 6-piano rendition of "Mars, The Bringer of War" from Gustav Holst's orchestral suite "The Planets," and a reading from Ray Bradbury's "Martian Chronicles."

Tracklist:

1. Spirit 5:28
2. Sojourner 6:14
3. Memnonia Quadrangle (featuring Larry Koonse) 3:32
4. How You Loved Me on Mars 5:48
5. Opportunity 5:54
6. Solis Lacus, The Eye of Mars 2:39
7. Mars, the Bringer of War 6:53
8. Curiosity 7:44
9. Syrtis Major, The Hourglass Sea 2:20
10. Spirit 5:25

Personnel:

Josh Nelson - piano, trumpet, Nord Electro 3
John Daversa - trumpet and EVI
Larry Koonse - guitar
Dave Robaire - bass
Dan Schnelle - drums
Kathleen Grace - vocals
Alan Ferber - trombone
Brian Walsh - bass clarinet
Larry Goldings - B3 organ (4)