Blue Print is the debut CD from this San Francisco, California jazz trio. Each member of the group has played on recordings by other artists, but Blue Print is the first real recorded expression of their skills as composers and arrangers. While their live shows are peppered with revamped, funkified jazz standards by artists such as Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, and Wayne Shorter, this recording includes ten original tunes and one by John Coltrane.

Rossbach's contributions range from the groovy "Apocalyptic Sneakers" and "How Many Ways" to a heavily Brazilian-influenced "Nutra," a soulfull ballad, aptly named "Slow Peace," and the heavy attitude guitar romp "PowerSmooch." Thomas's "Whisper in My Ear" and "Well, If It Isn't...," as well as Coltrane's "Naima," provide a sonic counterbalance with their clean tones and sparsely adorned arrangements.

No song on the CD fails to demonstrate the members' versatility as soloists and dutiful sidemen. Rossbach's solos go from esoteric jazz harmonies to screaming fusion energy. Thomas jettisons his behind-the-beat pocket on "Strung Out," turning an extended solo into a thoughtful polyrhythmic display. Meanwhile, Fabian's tasteful freless bass playing on "Slow Peace" and "Whisper in My Ear" add low-end warmth and soul to complete these introspective compositions.

Live, Rossbach, Thomas, and Fabian push each other into new harmonic and rhythmic ground and challenge listeners to come along for a ride.