Kombo

Kombo emerged as a contemporary jazz organ/guitar duo established by keyboardist and composer Ron Pedley alongside guitarist and composer John Pondel, both previously associated with the fusion group Uncle Festive. After that ensemble disbanded, the pair launched Kombo and secured a deal with GRP, resulting in the 1999 release The Big Blast! featuring the sibling rhythm section of bassist Matt Bisonette and drummer Gregg Bisonette. The album reached the Top Ten. Following nearly two years of opening and headlining tours, Kombo issued Cookin' Out in 2001. The project then paused amicably while Pedley and Pondel pursued other intense commitments. They reconvened with the Bisonette brothers in 2022 for select performances before recording This Is the Good One, which appeared in 2023.

Throughout the 1980s, Pedley and Pondel served in Barry Manilow's touring and studio ensembles and maintained strong credentials. Pondel performed alongside Gerald Wilson, Harold Land, Art Pepper, Tom Scott, and numerous West Coast jazz figures, during which time he encountered the Bisonette brothers. Pedley has collaborated with Manilow since 1985, yet earlier joined Maynard Ferguson's groups together with the Bisonettes. Drummer, producer, and multifaceted music industry figure Bud Harner, then Manilow's music director, recruited them to create a fusion band that also included fellow Manilow bandmember bassist Marc Levine. Between 1986 and 1992, Uncle Festive delivered six well-received albums while maintaining a near-constant touring schedule, after which the group entered hiatus following a support tour.

Pondel subsequently established Jazzhole, the enduring and influential acid jazz outfit that delivered its self-titled debut in 1994. Pedley contributed to Jazzhole's 1995 release …And the Feeling Goes Round before resuming duties with Manilow as bandleader and undertaking session work.

Pedley and Pondel sustained their friendship and professional ties after Uncle Festive concluded. Seeking to assemble their own electric jazz project, they recruited the Bisonette brothers as the rhythm section, drawing on the guitarist's prior associations. Bud Harner and Tommy Lipuma placed them with the Verve Music Group, leading to the Harner-produced The Big Blast! in 1999. The recording garnered airplay across the United States and Europe yet achieved particular traction in Japan, where it became a bestseller and entered the Top Ten on the jazz albums chart. The quartet embarked on a world tour encompassing intimate clubs and major jazz festivals.

Pondel and Pedley returned to the studio with an augmented configuration. Although Steve Ferrone replaced Gregg Bisonette on drums, Matt remained, while Kombo incorporated a three-piece horn section, vibes, vocalist Sharon Hendrix on select tracks, and extra percussion. Cookin' Out arrived in 2001. It failed to chart domestically yet registered strong sales in Japan. The ensemble completed opening tours throughout the United States, appeared at European festivals, and headlined dates in Japan.

Kombo entered hiatus in 2002. Pondel rejoined Jazzhole while also recording sessions for Rick Braun and Bob James; in 2009 he released a self-titled solo album on RGM. Pedley resumed directing Manilow's bands and collaborated with Byron Motley and Al Jardine.

Amid the pandemic, Pedley and Pondel initiated discussions about reviving Kombo. They reassembled the original quartet with the Bisonettes in 2022, performed several concerts, and recorded with Harner producing. Supported by a three-piece horn section, This Is the Good One emerged on Shanachie. The ten-track collection comprised nine originals plus a resonant rendition of Curtis Mayfield's "It's All Right." Issued in late April, the album entered the contemporary jazz albums chart in early May.