Underwater Runner is the story of a long musical journey that reconnects old friends and awakens echoes from the past. Featuring guitarist Jay Daly, bassist Ron Ardolino, and drummer Josh Fleischmann, this contemporary jazz trio merges the sounds of jazz, rock, and groove-driven improvisation to create a rich, engaging musical experience.
The story begins with Daly and Ardolino, who started writing and performing together in their teenage years. Bonded by a shared love of music, they formed bands, experimented across genres, and pushed each other creatively. For years, the two were inseparable on stage, crafting their sound and developing a strong musical connection. Yet as adulthood brought new responsibilities, music gradually took a backseat. Family, careers, and other priorities became the focus, and Daly and Ardolino took a hiatus from performing together that would last 15 years.
A different chapter unfolded in the ’90s when Daly attended UMASS-Lowell, where he crossed paths with drummer Josh Fleischmann. They quickly connected through their shared interest in jazz and other music styles, becoming mainstays in the college music scene. Together, they played in various jazz and funk groups, honing their skills and expanding their musical voices. The late-night jam sessions, college gigs, and spontaneous collaborations built a foundation of musical trust that would later play a crucial role in Underwater Runner. Although their paths diverged after college, the musical bond between Daly and Fleischmann endured through the years.
Then came the pandemic, a moment in time that reignited dormant musical fires. Daly found himself reaching for his guitar more and more, and Ardolino, too, felt the pull of his bass once again. Soon, they reconnected and began collaborating online, experimenting with new ideas and reviving their creative partnership. With the addition of Fleischmann on drums, the trio’s chemistry felt electric. Underwater Runner was born, fusing the histories of Daly and Ardolino, and Daly and Fleischmann, into a cohesive sound that celebrates their shared past while exploring new horizons.
For Daly, whose performances have ranged from rock and jazz groups to acoustic projects, and for Ardolino, a self-taught bassist with a family legacy in music through his uncle Tom Ardolino of NRBQ, Underwater Runner represents a triumphant return to the stage. Fleischmann, with his extensive experience touring worldwide, provides a dynamic, grounded rhythm that ties everything together. Their sound is a blend of rich histories, rediscovered connections, and a timeless drive to create.
