A rich blending of Jazz, Afro-Latin, and West African musical inspirations are at the heart of drummer Andy Wheelock’s melodic and joyfully dancing compositions on this debut recording of his WHEE3Trio. While using the timbre and pentatonic offerings of the wooden xylophone-like Ghanaian Gyil as a composing tool, Wheelock pictured the inventive voice of guitarist Gilad Hekselman as the perfect addition to pianist Walter Gorra, bassist Gonzalo Teppa, and Wheelock’s own drums & percussion to orchestrate the sweeping landscapes of “Finn,” the intricate dance of “Your Poor Mother,” or the Afro Pop-tinged street party that is “Empire.” Full of joy, lift and rhythmic surprises, WHEE3Trio’s debut is sure to enthuse and inspire.