The second album of Iter, “Iterations: Plus Greek & Scottish Delights” captures the ethnic approach taken on by the band. George Mylordos (bouzouki) joined the band in 2013 showing us that his virtuoso style of play exemplifies his traditional Greek musical roots. He adapted easily to the improvisational genre while influencing the band to help proliferate the band’s Greek jazz repertoire. Also joining the band is Lynne Miller (bagpipes). Lynne, a piper in San Francisco for more than four decades (and originally from Scotland), is big jazz fan. Peter and Lynne collaborated on a few occasions and found there were opportunities to use traditional Scottish piping tunes as a platform for improvisation, not unlike the Greek material. Before long, Lynne became a part of the act and is now a regular feature. The new cd also features more of Peter’s straight-ahead compositions, all of which are brought to light by each band member’s contributions. The personnel on “Iterations” are: Frank Martin (keyboards), Jon Herrera (bass), Andy Dillard (drums and percussion), Bryan Girard (alto and tenor saxes), Bryan McVicker (tenor sax), George Mylordos (bouzouki), and Lynne Miller (bagpipes).

Sempiternity

After relocating to southern Oregon in 2018, I began mingling with the local jazz scene. As I got to know the musicians, I realized the potential for another recording. In 2022, “Sempiternity” became a reality. I went back to straight-ahead compositions without the ethnic influences (although if you listen closely to the title track you might recognize the syncopated 9/8 rhythm which came from a particular Greek form). “You’re Not Going to Believe It” and “Bartzelas Una Mas” were written several years ago but I felt it was time to memorialize them. The other compositions sprang forth about two years prior to the recording. John Mazzei,  Theresa McCoy, Jeff Addicott, and Adam Harris each added their bright moments to the project. My thanks go out them for their contributions.