Pellera has a remarkable ability to compose evocative, dreamy landscapes, combining the emotionally charged impressionism of post-bop jazz with a romantic, almost classical sense of melody.

On Cloud 9, his gifts are brought to life by Astral Project alumni John Vidacovich (drums), Tony Dagradi (sax), Steve Masakowski (guitar), James Singleton (bass), with special appearances by Phillip Manuel (vocals), Bill Solley (guitar), Bill Huntington (bass), Bill Summers (percussion), and Gregory Boyd (steel pans).

Pellera is himself an exceptional player of the piano, the central instrument on these 15 cuts, all originals except two, Monk’s “Green Chimneys” and Keith Jarret’s “Prism.” Monk’s influence is apparent, but Pellera has his own distinctive flair, weaving delicate harmonic layers in and around the statuesque melodies, the lifeblood of the album.

Almost all of these songs are mid-tempo, allowing the melodies to wash over the listener peacefully, but on the title cut, as well as “Brother (Down to D)” and “In The Heartland” (which truly evokes a Midwestern farm as a storm brews in the distance) he utilizes an ambient “drone” effect, a repeating note or figure on the synthesizer. With great subtlety, this device adds a hypnotic momentum which locks in the listener.

As we’ve come to expect, Vidacovich is amazing, implying the groove while dancing all over his kit, splashing, swishing, rolling, knocking. His brush work here is especially tasty, with a sort of fluttering, rattlesnake effect. Phillip Manuel, of course, sings marvelously on “When You Said You Loved Me,” a tribute to the classic jazz standards of the 30s and 40’s.

Overall, Pellera has made an original jazz album of extraordinary warmth and depth. It embraces that peculiarly Southern melancholy, creating a serene, bittersweet mood.