Rich Pellegrin

Rich Pellegrin
Topography feat. Neil Welch

Release date: 10/3/2024

Slow & Steady Records announces the release of pianist-composer Rich Pellegrin’s Topography, featuring saxophonist Neil Welch. The release features a collection of compositions and improvisations directly inspired by the landscapes of the American West – especially Whidbey Island, located just north of Seattle, WA. Pellegrin’s recording reflects “an urge many of us have recently felt to escape the office, social media, or the news, and get back to nature. However, while the wilderness offers peacefulness, there’s also harshness, and constant reminders of the cycles of life.”

 Pellegrin and Welch started performing together in Pellegrin’s working quintet back in 2009. Both were part of a new wave of improvisers who galvanized Seattle’s creative music scene at that time. The two artists remained close even after Welch moved to Whidbey Island to pursue more nature-based work. Inspired by Welch’s path, Pellegrin also moved to Whidbey Island, where he still lives today when not teaching at the University of Florida. “After spending a lot of time in isolation during the pandemic working on solo playing, I wanted to find a way to bring a newfound sense of freedom to ensemble playing,” notes Pellegrin. “The duo format seemed like an ideal first step.” With so much common ground, Welch was the logical collaborator.

Topography can feel like a song cycle, or a suite. Each track provides an abstract vignette of a natural area, and the simplicity of instrumentation and use of space makes each track feel all the more clear, even naked. Each composition hinges boldly on the telepathy and trust between Pellegrin and Welch. The extended technique and musical restraint the two artists exhibit over 13 total tracks is simply masterful. Pellegrin arrived at the session with a number of sketches (some written, some internalized) and an overall narrative, which he intentionally withheld from Welch until the recording in an effort to capture “total spontaneity.” His approach is fitting, as improvisation - like nature - endlessly mystifies and changes, regardless of how well we observe it or try to control it.

Produced by Rich Pellegrin

Recorded by Rich Pellegrin
at Langley United Methodist Church, Langley, WA
on July 18, 2021, July 7, 2022, and November 18, 2022

Mixed & mastered by Rob Boullion
at LinderVox Sound, Columbia, MO

Cover photo by Niklas Jeromin
Cover design & layout by B Side Graphics

Music composed by Rich Pellegrin (Howard Street Publishing,
ASCAP) and Neil Welch (Narmada Music, BMI)