Eckemoff, Yelena
L&H Production, 2022, CD
Instrument: Instrumental
Issue: 28.2
Jazz Ruler Type: Fusion
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 80
O’s Notes: Russian-born composer and pianist Yelena Eckemoff assembles a band that includes Nasheet Waits (d), Joey Baron (d), Ben Monder (g) and Drew Gress (b). I Am A Stranger in This World has eleven selections, over two hours on two discs. Trumpeter Ralph Alessi takes the spotlight on “As Chaff Before The Wind”, sharing the stage with Eckemoff and guitarist Adam Rogers on “Lighten My Eyes” while violinist Christian Howe opens “Like Rain Upon The Mown Grass”. These are fine examples of the warmth expressed over the first disc while the second disc reflects the swirl of the last 24 months as we were shocked and amazed by the realities we faced. Eckemoff reflects on all of it with a fine musical interpretation.
Publicist: Terri Hinte
