Musical excellence at a bargain price
Ian Muldoon | Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia | 04/13/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If Mr Ehrlich has played a false note on record I've yet to hear it. Like John Carter, Steve Lacy and Eric Dolphy, he seems to possess a musical integrity or truth where he always plays what he feels he has to - no compromises with commercial imperatives, no condescension. On this album he is paired with pianist Mr Mike Nock, who has played in some illustrious company over the past 40 years including Yusef Lateef and Coleman Hawkins, is no slouch but like his compatriot New Zealander Alan Broadbent more loved and respected by fellow musicians than by the general public. Underappreciated artists both. Five of the 13 compositions on this excellent CD are by Mr Nock, four are joint improvisations, two appear to be traditional Jewish melodies, and the remaining two are by Mr Dave Brubeck and Mr James P. Johnson respectively. Mr Ehrlich plays clarinet on five tracks, bass clarinet on two, alto sax on four and soprano on two. My personal prejudice is for the clarinet but Mr Ehrlich is master of all these instruments. A good starting point is The Duke by Mr Brubeck where the improvised clarinet solo is a model of sustained development whilst Mr Nock's piano hints at the blocked chords of its composer. The coda is not without humour. These guys are having fun too! For masterly conversation between master musicians dig Break Time or Jacanori. For music which goes beyond boundaries of classical or jazz or other labels, Three Postcards stand as a wonderful example. For quiet reflection, In The Moment, and for a humourous fillip end up with the confection Snowy Morning Blues. This is not safe music, nor is it alienating. It is a rewarding musical experience worthy of attention and focus by the listener which will pay rich dividends. It has sufficient variety, swing, and melodic beauty to make it a longtime listening companion. Recommended."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1