With the release of his jazz quartet’s brand-new album, Ray Suhy proves that a guitarist of death metal fame isn’t confined to a creative box. Transcendent (Sunnyside Records) by the Ray Suhy/Lewis Porter Quartet is an album that showcases the depths of Ray’s talent as a jazz virtuoso. While Ray may be best known for his work with the band Six Feet Under (Metal Blade Records), he has emerged from the underworld to lift the veil on his alternate musician ego. The record is due for release on April 17. Transcendent is a continued exploration of Ray’s love of mid-1960s Coltrane-era jazz and combines that with slightly more free textures. Setting out to create a moody, diverse record, both Ray and Lewis composed pieces that showcase the strengths of the group that is rounded out by Brad Jones on bass (Ornette Coleman, Elvin Jones) and Rudy Royston on drums (Bill Frisell, Ravi Coltrane). Upon listening to Transcendent, followers of Ray’s work in Six Feet Under and other rock bands will appreciate his blistering guitar solos, while also discovering new levels of intricacy in his playing. Jazz lovers will appreciate the well-conceived charts and the group’s masterful improvisations. In this sense, Transcendent not only transcends genres and styles, but also fan bases, leaving something for everyone to enjoy.