Reaching for heaven is the quest for something beyond the self. Beyond the mundane. Apart from fears and failures. Heaven might be a faraway place. Then again, heaven might be right here, right now. Heaven might be inside. Inside you. Inside and outside and all around. Reach for it. You will find heaven. Ian Nagoski of the Baltimore City Paper calls Michael Gayle a “versatile and firey pianist.” The music on this album is always in motion. From the strident opening of "after beethoven" to the frolicking leaps of "timekeeper," Gayle's sound is clear and uncluttered. His adventurous combinations of melody, rhythm, and harmony touch the soul and the intellect. Pianist, composer, and educator. Gayle's music is technically demanding and forward moving. His sound encompasses the technical prowess of Bud Powell, the harmonic exploration of Thelonius Monk, and the creative energy of Cecil Taylor. Gayle melds jazz tradition and futuristic thought and brings them to the here and now. At home both in ensemble and as a soloist, Gayle has a rich jazz heritage. He is the son of avant-garde standard bearer, Charles Gayle. Michael Gayle's performance collaborations include notable artists as Hamiett Bluett, Michael Zerang, and Michael Doneda.