Much as Gress likes aggressive playing, he doesn't deny his love of good melody.

NPR: Summing Up Drew Gress' 'Irrational Numbers'

For Gress, it's an update of how horns intertwine in old New Orleans jazz.

NPR: Summing Up Drew Gress' 'Irrational Numbers'

Gress' quintet has toured a bunch since recording the fine 7 Black Butterflies in 2004.

NPR: Summing Up Drew Gress' 'Irrational Numbers'

Gress' broad range of interests and skills make his own albums, including his new one, particularly interesting.

NPR: Summing Up Drew Gress' 'Irrational Numbers'

Instead of keeping the written and improvised parts of a tune separate, Gress might layer one over the other.

NPR: Summing Up Drew Gress' 'Irrational Numbers'

But a loan isn't an option for Gress, whose credit rating is hurt by lingering debt from admittedly unwise earlier choices.

CNN: Tough times bring new troubles on tax day

As a composer, Gress is interested in unifying the sound of an album by writing themes that echo or resonate off each other.

NPR: Summing Up Drew Gress' 'Irrational Numbers'

Jazz bassist Drew Gress has a deep tone and a deep knowledge of harmony, which makes him a good foil for lyrical pianists like Fred Hersch.

NPR: Summing Up Drew Gress' 'Irrational Numbers'

Gress looks for ways to sidestep jazz's usual performance format, wherein the band plays the melody, several members take solos one after another, and then they play the melody again.

NPR: Summing Up Drew Gress' 'Irrational Numbers'