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Andy Ezrin: I Was Here
BySaxophonist Donny McCaslin sits in on eight numbers, trumpeter Randy Brecker on two. John Patitucci is the bassist, Marcus Gilmore and Ari Hoenig the alternating drummers. While everyone plays well, this is clearly Ezrin's date, and his versatile piano is the focal point on every number. He is comfortable in any mood and tempo, from ballad to burner, combining an elegant touch with singular awareness, and leads the way without being intrusive or overbearing.
McCaslin plays tenor sax most of the way, soprano on the mellow "Siren Song" and rapid-fire on "I'm Runnin' Outta Time." Brecker makes it a quintet on the sunny opener, "Grapes," and is warm and eloquent (muted) on the tender ballad "Never Enough." Ezrin is at his expressive best in the trio settings ("Luna," "Snowfall," "Lost Days") and on the lyrical finale, "Cascades." Patitucci is rock-solid, as always, while Gilmore and Hoenig lend exactly the proper amount of rhythmic support. As for McCaslin, he solos handsomely in spite of a tendency to over-use the tenor saxophone's upper register.
In sum, this is a bright and colorful session which pleases on a number of levels. As a CD's maximum playing time is roughly eighty minutes, it should be noted that Ezrin and his teammates play through and make the most of every one of them.
Track Listing
Grapes; This Is What It Is; Greenwoman; Luna; Siren Song; Snowfall; Ain’t That Some Shit; If I Don’t See You; Wiggle Room; Never Enough; I’m Runnin’ Out of Time; Lost Days; Cascades.
Personnel
Andy Ezrin
pianoDonny McCaslin
saxophone, tenorRandy Brecker
trumpetJohn Patitucci
bassMarcus Gilmore
drumsAri Hoenig
drumsAlbum information
Title: I Was Here | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Self Produced
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Andy Ezrin
Album Review
Jack Bowers
I Was Here
Self Produced
Donny McCaslin
randy brecker
John Patitucci
Marcus Gilmore
ari hoenig