For Yous Eric Marienthal - 1990 Crossroads

Eric Marienthal has ever had limitless potential. Primarily known every bit an altoist but too an first-class thespian on tenor in addition to soprano, Marienthal came to fame alongside Chick Corea's Elektric Band in addition to tends to audio at his best when teamed alongside players of that caliber. Many of his ain projects endure from overproduction, a lack of spontaneity in addition to commercial material, but that is non truthful of Crossroads. In groups ranging from quartets to sextets, Marienthal is challenged past times the fabric (all grouping originals), matching wits alongside the likes of keyboardist Russell Ferrante (from the Yellowjackets), bassist John Patitucci and, on 3 selections, Chick Corea. Crossroads contains roughly of Eric Marienthal's finest playing exterior of the context of the Elektric Band. Well worth searching for.

I accept to confess that I bought this great album on the forcefulness of the names of the players on it, rather than existence an Eric Marienthal fan [sorry Eric]. You exclusively accept to facial expression at his selection of players to know it's going to hold out worth hearing.

What a job upwardly he has! Vinnie Colaiuta plays drums on most of the tracks, acre on the others; you'll hear Dave Weckl in addition to Terri Lyne Carrington every bit well. John Patitucci plays bass throughout. In addition, alongside Russell Ferrante on keyboards in addition to Chick Corea on piano, it couldn't neglect to hold out a winner. Interestingly, the top dog writing credits become to Patitucci in addition to Ferrante, alongside Marienthal a co-writer on ii of the tunes.

Although Marienthal's playing is of class really good, in addition to does play roughly great solos either on soprano, alto or tenor sax - I experience it's his supporting form that actually pick out handgrip of your attention. Vinnie is stunning, every bit usual, in addition to plays a great solo. However, fifty-fifty when he's but playing through the compositions, it's classic Vinnie.

Terri Lyne too plays superbly. She too gets a solo spot. Of course, Weckl does what exclusively he tin sack do. It's kickoff to audio similar a drummer's album, rather than a sax player's solo album! Maybe that's but how I hear it.

I would nation the writing is what you lot would hold off from a fusion band of that fourth dimension - a few stand-out tunes, but inwards the main, it exclusively hits the topographic point on a yoke of occasions. My favourite tracks are probably, "SPOONS", "UPSIDE DOWN" in addition to "RAIN ON THE ROOF".

As I said, it's to a greater extent than well-nigh the playing than the actual musical content that makes this album work. Let's human face upwardly it, alongside this form of star line-up supporting you, know it'll hold out worth a listen.

One the finest Sax Soprano inwards the nineties, the inundation talent of him is carved inwards relief, along every unmarried rails of this praised album.

If you lot honor carefully, you lot volition scout the presence of Big Leaguers musicians: Jon Patitucci, Chick Corea, Vinnie Colaiuta, Alex Acuna in addition to Russell Ferrante are names that past times themselves are capable to get together whatever Hall Concert.

The Sun was inwards my eyes, Upside down, Hide & seek, On the evening of tomorrow in addition to Rain on the roof are the most pregnant tracks inwards a winner album.

This is Eric's best album I know of, fifty-fifty to this day. The album consists of great playing & really strong tracks, thanx to Patitucci & Ferrante. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 footling surprising Eric tin sack stand upwardly then firmly inwards 2 such various genres, you'd intend he somewhat misses making a fantastic album similar this one. Ah well. If you'd exclusively volition larn 1 album of Eric's, larn this, later a few listens you lot won't regret it. It but has such character & depth to it..

Track listing:

1 The Lord's Day Was inwards My Eyes 5:52
2 Spoons 6:45
3 Yellow Roses 4:03
4 Upside Down 6:40
5 Schmooze 4:30
6 Cross Country 8:05
7 Hide & Seek 5:03
8 Two Bits 5:42
9 On the Eve of Tomorrow 5:53
10 Rain on the Roof 7:04

Personnel:

Electric bass guitar: John Patitucci
Drums: Terri Lyne Carrington, Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta
Synthesizer: David Witham
Percussion: Alex Acuña
Keyboard: Russell Ferrante
Piano: Chick Corea
Piano in addition to synthesizer: John Beasley