Zen Tornado is a little Psychedelia mixed with a little World Beat, a bit of instrumental Post-modern Rock and a whole lot of Jazz. Stirred, not shaken. Add in a blend of 90% original composition and 10% unusual reorchestrations, a pinch of red pepper flake, a touch of lime, and there you go!
"There’s enough creativity and sonic diversity on display here to please a wide range of jazz enthusiasts." - Sea of Tranquility
A renown music editor describes the group as "a tempestuous brew of jazz fusion with moments of almost transcendental tranquility". The ensemble is a semi-conventional four-piece unit led by guitarist Rik Wright, that brazenly showcases a unique and experimental approach to a variety of musical traditions, without suppressing the individual initiative or spontaneity of the musicians.
"A plethora of instruments are channeled through song structures allowing the improvisation and musicianship to flat knock you out." - Music Morsels
Wright and company achieve an increasingly rare balance between challenging original compositions, disciplined ensemble interplay, and expansive improvisation, deftly straddling the line between form and freedom. The quartet's singular take on progressive jazz is refreshingly free of cliche, and its willingness to embrace risk conveys a palpable sense of excitement and discovery.
"Collectively, the band isn't afraid to take huge risks in realizing Rik's musical vision." – Still Water Times
Originally recording and touring from 2002 to 2005 (in a variety of configurations), the group developed a considerable regional following in the Pacific Northwest. Then, after spending a few years concentrating on more traditional jazz performances, Wright reformed the ensemble in 2009.
"One of the premier contemporary jazz groups on the West coast." - Jazz Review
The newest incarnation of Zen Tornado is a quartet centered on Wright's original compositions interspersed with sections of free form soundscaping using variety of players and instrumentation. This aggressively creative and adventurous improvisational approach has been captivating audiences throughout the region.
"Rik Wright takes classic jazz and heaps on piles of influences from across the musical spectrum, helping to perk up ears of those tired of the same old swing." - The Oregonian
"We swim upstream, so to speak.” Wright explains. “At our best, any tune can become an exploration of unknown territory. It’s very hard to have a bad night with these guys. There’s always someone on the stage who’s going to take a left turn and make everybody think on their toes for the rest of the tune.