Road Work Ahead is a collective band co-led by pianist Bill Mays, guitarist Peter Sprague, bassist Bob Magnusson and drummer Jim Plank. The band stretches back to the 1980's when all four players were based in San Diego.
A former San Diegan now based in New York, Bill Mays was called by Jazz Times “one of the masters of color and touch among today’s pianists.” Mays career has included work with Bud Shank, Sarah Vaughan, Shelly Manne, Gerry Mulligan, Clark Terry, Benny Golson, Bobby Shew, and the Mel Lewis Orchestra. Guitarist Peter Sprague—a San Diego institution—has been the leader of groups including Blurring the Edges, and BrasilJazz, and is known internationally for his work with Dianne Reeves, Chick Corea, Hubert Laws, and David Benoit. Bassist Bob Magnusson has been featured on hundreds of recordings, and has worked with Sarah Vaughan, Bud Shank, Laurindo Almeida, Benny Golson, Shorty Rogers and Art Pepper, among countless others. Drummer Jim Plank, well-known as percussionist for the San Diego Symphony, is equally adept in the world of jazz, having record with artists such as Laurindo Almeida and Mike Wofford.
The group has released a new recording on SBE Records called Intersection. Their 2003 release On The Road Again garnered some rave reviews including this A+ review:
“The result is a collection of seven new songs by the band members and four covers that show off both their remarkable virtuosity and the kind of empathetic interplay that only comes with time. Sprague’s playing is always pleasant and this new CD shows a side to his playing we do not always get to hear. The new songs are gorgeous and complex enough to challenge the musicians and also hold the listener’s interest.”
Jim Trageser
North County Times
May, 2004
Bill Mays — piano
Peter Sprague — guitar
Bob Magnusson — bass
Jim Plank — drums
