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: Eric Goletz, "A New Light"

Virtuoso Trombonist, Arranger and Composer Eric Goletz released his second CD as a leader earlier this year.  The CD is titled, "A New Light" and the CD does shine a new light on the immense talents of Eric Goletz. Eric composed and arranged eight new terrific compositions for this CD along with leading the band and performing wonderful improvisations on his Trombone.  The CD has a fresh, happy feel and Eric's compositions and arrangements are nothing but genius.  When listening to this wonderful group of musicians and these brilliantly written compositions, it reminds me of the big band music of the past, the present and the future all playing together!  

Eric began studying classical piano, guitar and music theory from the age of six with private teachers, but at age 14, he fell in love with the sound of the Trombone in his father's band, and he knew from then on that music was going to be his life's work.  

Goletz also began composing music at a young age and was soon writing and arranging music for the various groups he was involved with.  Goletz says, "I think of music as having endless possibilities.  It's a journey where you can never be absolutely sure where it will lead. Although my background is in Jazz and  Classical music, I spend much time listening to other forms of music such as Pop, Rock, Country, Motown, Funk, Latin and even Heavy Metal.  There's always something new to learn, and I try to keep an open mind to the simple joy of listening to music"  Certainly sage advise for every musicians to remember.

I have attached two "YouTube" videos of two original Goletz's compositions that are part of "A New Light".  The first is "Greene Street Groove" which has a funky, bluesy feel and the second is "Don't Gimme That", that features solos buy Goletz on Trombone, Randy Brecker on Trumpet and Allen Farnham on Keys.  I know you will love both of these swinging big band tunes.

PLAYLIST: 

1. Prelude: Before the Light

2. A New Light

3. Edge of Night

4. Dig

5. Enchanted

6. Greene Street Groove

7. Sunrise, Sunset

8. Song for Elizabeth

9 Don't  Gimme That!

10. The Mirror

11. Postlude: After the Light

PLAYERS:

Eric Goletz: Trombone, Keyboards, All Compositions except "Dig", "Sunrise, Sunset", and "Song for Elizabeth" , Arranging

Randy Brecker: Trumpet, Flugelhorn

Jim Ridl: Piano

Allen Farnham: Keyboards

Henry Heinitsh: Guitar

Marco Panascia: Bass

Steve Johns: Drums

Joe Mowatt: Percussion

Trumpets: Tony Gorruso, Freddie Maxwell, Kent Smith

French Horn: Will DeVos

Alto Sax: Bob Magnuson

Trombones: Erick Storckman, Chris Rinaman

Bass Trombone: Jonathan Greenberg

Tuba: Matt Ingman

Violins: Robin Zeh, Paul Woodiel

Violas: Michael Roth, David Gold 

Cello: Sarah Hewitt-Roth

                                                                   "Greene Street Groove"

                                                                  "Don't Gimme That"