Described as a "drummer of creative agitation" (Philadelphia Inquirer) who"keeps up interesting rhythmic interplay" (Jazz Times), Tom Cohen presents his fourth CD Joyride which offers innovative interpretations of jazz classics and originals. Interspersed throughout are mini drum solo interludes further personalizing the listening experience; a totally unique concept not found on CDs led by a drummer.Joyride showcases his considerable talents as a leader and supportive drummer whose inventiveness,imagination and good taste yields to an infectious groove. Cohen surrounds himself with the perfect combination of veteran jazz musicians, inspiring him to take the music in unexpected directions; a hallmark of his playing style. Venezuelan born Benito Gonzalez and Kris Funn have been integral members of Kenny Garretts's ensembles; Mike Boone has toured with Buddy Rich, Ben Vereen and Joey DeFranceso; Tim Ries has toured with artists as diverse as Hank Jones, Jack DeJohnette, and the Rolling Stones. Tom Cohen has been a staple on the Philadelphia music scene for over 40 years, lending his versatility to a myriad of musical genres. He has performed with a host of jazz luminaries such as Shirley Scott, Groove Holmes, Ernie Watts, Donny McCaslin, Ralph Bowen, Tim Warfield, Charles Fambrough, Orrin Evans, Uri Caine, Pete McCann, and Giacomo Gates to name a few. His prior CD's have been met with stellar reviews. The title, Joyride, reflects the gleeful freedom inherent in the music and a sense of anticipating the unexpected as if embarking on a mischievous sojourn. Black Nile is an out of the gate hard swinger that escalates through an edge of your seat piano solo. Herbie Hancock's Dolphin Dance written in 4/4 lends itself well to 3/4 time as it first simmers then cooks. On Green Dolphin Street opens with a startling re-harmonization inside an embedded aggressive groove and concludes with a blistering drum solo over the ensembles' montuno. Horace Silver's Peace opens with a dreamy rubato modal crescendo before evolving into a New York style lush ballad. The ballad Old Folks gets a bright ECMish 8th note treatment while One Finer Snap finds the trio getting loose and adventuresome as they head into over the bar line uncharted territory. In all, Joyride, is an approachable CD that is non-compromising and true to the jazz spirit of inventiveness and exploration. The compositions are vehicles for either intense or sensitive interpretation while the musicians interplay is egalitarian, making this a non drummer centric CD.