Ehrlich, Marty
Palmetto, 2003, CD
Instrument: Saxophone
Issue: 10.1
Jazz Ruler Type: Fusion
Performance: 4
Sound: 4+
Score: 
O’s Notes: The quartet is Craig Taborn (p), Michael Formanek (b), Billy Drummond (d) and leader Marty Ehrlich (sax, bass clarinet), all first call players. They open with “Hymn”, a tranquil piece that immediately puts the listener at ease. The pace picks up from there but the beat remains steady as they ease into “Line On Love” with Marty’s raspy romantic lead that has a hint of Gato Barbieri. While this is Ehrlich’s recording, Taborn steps forward with some excellent work on piano especially on “Julian’s Theme”. The interactions are very good and Marty’s compositions are fresh. It’s a cross between modern jazz and fusion that feels good.