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
