CD Reveiw: Eric Goletz, "Standard-ized"

Muti-talented Trombonist, Pianist, Composer and Arranger Eric Goletz released his third CD as leader and it's a beauty.  Jazz Trombone is a beautiful instrument when played at the professional level Eric provides.  His tone and dexterity are warm and hot all at the same time.  Until Eric released his first CDs, "Into The Night" in 2021 and his second CD  "A New Light" in 2022, Eric had already made his succefull mark as composer and sideman.  Since taking over control of his own CDs, he has already established himself as one of today's Jazz performing super-stars.  His arrangements on "Standard-ized" are exciting and brilliant.  They bring new life to a list of not only sensational Jazz standards but some comtempory gems too.  Eric skillfully re-imagines modern Jazz standards and classic songs out of the Great American Songbook with hip arrangements and great band sounds.

I can't say enough about the quality of the players on this CD or the creative mix of the playlist Eric has put together for "Standard-ized".  He chose music composed by Stevie Wonder, Charlie Parker, Horace Silver, Michel Legrand, George Gershwin, and Stanley Turpentine.  Once you listen to Eric's CD, I guarantee you will be longing for more.  I hope Eric puts a Standard-ized II on his "To Do" list.

I usually only attach two songs from the CD I am reviewing but not this time.  Eric's exceptional talents just can't be covered with two songs so you are treated to 3 songs off the CD.  The first song attached below is a Charlie Parker original composition, "Now's The Time".  It will let you hear Eric's sensational arrangement and the swing band.  The second song is an old chestnut, "Just In Time" and you will marvel at the tempo, the arrangement and Eric's fine Trombone work.  And I couldn't resist attaching Stevie Wonder's classic "Overjoyed" so you could hear Eric's melow Trombone tones doing justice to this comtempory gem. 

Playlist:

1. Now's The Time

2. Just In Time

3. Caravan

4. Nutville

5. Nature Boy

6. Train Shuffle

7. Jungle Juice

8. Mayreh

9. The Summer Knows

10. Summertime

11. Sugar

12. Windmills of Your mind

13. Overjoyed

14. Now's The Time Outro

Players: 

Eric Goletz- Trombone, Piano (Tracks 9,12,13) Compositions, Arrangements

Special Guests:

    Don Braden- Soprano Sax

    LaJuan Carter- Vocals

Henry Heinitsh- Guitar

Jim Ridl- Piano

Brian Glassman- Acoustic & Electric Basses

Marco Panascia- Electric Bass (Track 12)

Steve Johns- Drums

Joe Mowatt- Percussion

The Strings:

    Robin Zeh- Violin

    Paul Woodiel- Violin

    Michael Roth- Viola

    David Gold- Viola

    Sarah Hewitt-Ross- Cello

    Brian Glassman- Contra Bass   

 

                                                                        "Now The Time"

                                                                        "Just In Time"

                                                                            "Overjoyed"

CD Review: Anthony E. Nelson Jr., "Swinging Sunset"

Saxophonist and Composer Anthony E. Nelson Jr. is a young and talented musician who grew up in Essex County New Jersey.  In and around the Newark area Anthony was fortunate to hear some of the best Jazz and R&B musicians performing in the 1990's.  That was where he heard Jimmy McGriff and fell in love with the Organ as a Jazz instrument.  His instrument of choice is the Tenor Sax and Nelson's playing is influenced by some of the Jazz giants in Jazz history.  For his latest album, "Swinging Sunset " Nelson says, "I wanted to honor the cats who knew how to do an organ trio right.  But I also wanted to pay homage to the great sax players that shaped my understanding of music.  I have a great love for artists like Gene Ammons, Houston Person, Stanley Turrentine and other sax giants without whom I wouldn't be the musician I am today".   Nelson's sax playing is very accessible because it's lyrical with a deep warm sound.  He approaches a tune like a singer approaches a song lyric. 

This is Anthony E. Nelson's 5th CD as leader and proves that he can reach across generational and genre lines.   The Baptist church has played a major role in his life, and his spirituality is reflected in his each of his CDs.

Nelson is joined by two veteran musicians, Cecil Brooks III on Drums and Kyle Koehler on Hammond B3 Organ.  This wonderful CD is an excellent example of why Jazz Organ Trios are so popular.

I have attached two "YouTube" songs for your listening pleasure.  The first song is "Canadian Sunset" written by Eddie Heywood and brought into Jazz history by Gene Ammons.  Being a Sax player myself, I have always been drawn to Ammons' version of this song.  Nelson's phrasing and tone pay homage to one of his and our Jazz heroes, the great Gene Ammons.  The second song "Uno Mas Por Roberto" is an original composition written by Nelson for his uncle Bob who speaks fluent Spanish.  Nelson says the song has a Soul/Bossa vibe.

Playlist:

1. Canadian Sunset

2. One More Once

3. Girl Talk

4. Uno Mas Por Roberto

5. These Foolish Things

6. Minor Chant

7. Mildew

8. Why Did I Choose You

9. One A Misty Night

10. Three Little Words

11. Walk With Me

12. Last Call

Players:

Anthony E. Nelson, Jr- Tenor Sax, Compositions

Kyle Koehler- Hammond B3 Organ

Cecil Brooks III- Drums   

                                                                      "Canadian Sunset"

                                                                  "Uno Mas Por Roberto"