Half Notes: Mike Prigodich – A Stitch in Time (2011)

By day, Mike Prigodich works at a software company, though as a kid he dreamt of becoming a professional jazz musician. It might have ended right there, but for a bout with cancer that began in November 2008. Inspired by the post-diagnosis successes of Lance Armstrong, with whom he shared an oncologist, Prigodich began a second life in music. He raised more than $10,000 on kickstarter.com to fund this David Mathew-produced fusion project, A Stitch in Time. Released July 26 on Mexican Mocha Music, the album features bassist Damian Erskine (the famous jazz drummer Peter’s nephew), saxophonist John Nastos, drummer Reinhardt Meltz and others in what occasionally expands into a 10-piece ensemble. His original works are challenging yet accessible, sometimes angular but always musical. The mathematical groover “A Measure of Luck” fits snugly into a set that also includes the fleet “Anneka’s Dance” (featuring a brilliant turn on flute by Tim Jensen), which then blends seamlessly into later album successes like the Chick-inspired “Coreatown.” Whatever brought him, finally, to music, one thing is clear: Prigodich, this Portland, Oregon-based late-bloomer, should have joined the conversation years ago.

Visit Mike Prigodich’s website.