Martin, Zeke
, 2009, CD
Instrument: Drums
Issue: 15.4
Jazz Ruler Type: Fusion
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: Drummer Zeke Martin leads a fusion quartet with Sean Berry (sax), Yusaku Yoshimura (keyboards, harmonica) and Rozhan Razman (b). They open with the energy packed “Freedom Jazz Dance”, one of seven fresh covers of jazz classics. All of the arrangements are tastefully done optimizing the skills of the musicians at hand. Razman shines on “Afro Blue” with Berry taking the lead on “Funny Valentine”. Nina Pralour sings a funky upbeat arrangement of “Summertime”, the lone vocal track. We enjoyed “Naima” with Yoshimura’s lengthy intro on the Rhodes. Martin is pronounced on drums but never overpowering as he orchestrates all of the action injecting elements of funk into each tune. We enjoyed this set, a different approach to familiar materials.
Publicist: Mixed Media Promo
