Search - Marty Ehrlich :: Song

With his ability to bring just the right sound, emotion, and intelligence to any situation he finds himself in, reed player Marty Ehrlich has more versatility than is probably legal. He's such an adaptable musician that he sometimes hasn't asserted himself the way he should on his own projects. But judging by Malinke's Dance, his superb 2000 release, and the more refined Song, that trend is ending. Accompanied by the exceptionally agile and interesting rhythm section of pianist Uri Caine, bassist Michael Formanek, and drummer Billy Drummond, Ehrlich (on alto and soprano saxophones and bass clarinet) breathes a heady lyricism through a set of melodically rich tunes. The dominant tone is one of calm reflection, as embodied in Jaki Byard's wistful "The Falling Rains of Life," Robin Holcomb's folkish "Waltz," Ehrlich's haunting "Day of the Dark Bright Light," and his bluesy take on Dylan's "I Pity the Poor Immigrant." The highlight is "Blue Boye's Blues," Ehrlich's raucous and ruminative tribute to his late mentor, Julius Hemphill. It features trombonist Ray Anderson, who combines with Ehrlich for some choice cooing and wailing. --Lloyd Sachs