Los Angeles bassist Eric von Essen was a topnotch sideman in the city's jazz scene until his untimely death in 1997. Turns out he was also a stellar composer of lyrical blues, elegant laments, and sweet ballads. Of course,... more » his colleagues knew that all along, and The Music of Eric von Essen puts the bassist's tunes in the hands of Grammy-winner Alan Broadbent (famed as the pianist for Charlie Haden's Quartet West), guitarist Nels Cline, drummer Peter Erskine, and a host of Angeleno jazz lights. Alan Pasqua opens the session with the lovely, mellow "Silvana," and the tempo stays mellow until Broadbent's take on "Blues Puzzle" and Cline's reading of "Peacemaker," each of which accelerates while still asserting von Essen's fundamentally moody impressionism. Closing the CD are two tracks featuring the lauded folk-jazz quartet led by Nels's twin brother, drummer Alex, who picks tunes that dance with sultry slowness and gain their aching quality from violinist Jeff Gauthier. It's been ages since Los Angeles had an identifiable jazz sound, but in von Essen, the city seems to shine as a mix of bright harmonic lights and more complex, swirling energy that leans towards Bill Evans's tangled emotions and dramatic effect. --Andrew Bartlett« less
Los Angeles bassist Eric von Essen was a topnotch sideman in the city's jazz scene until his untimely death in 1997. Turns out he was also a stellar composer of lyrical blues, elegant laments, and sweet ballads. Of course, his colleagues knew that all along, and The Music of Eric von Essen puts the bassist's tunes in the hands of Grammy-winner Alan Broadbent (famed as the pianist for Charlie Haden's Quartet West), guitarist Nels Cline, drummer Peter Erskine, and a host of Angeleno jazz lights. Alan Pasqua opens the session with the lovely, mellow "Silvana," and the tempo stays mellow until Broadbent's take on "Blues Puzzle" and Cline's reading of "Peacemaker," each of which accelerates while still asserting von Essen's fundamentally moody impressionism. Closing the CD are two tracks featuring the lauded folk-jazz quartet led by Nels's twin brother, drummer Alex, who picks tunes that dance with sultry slowness and gain their aching quality from violinist Jeff Gauthier. It's been ages since Los Angeles had an identifiable jazz sound, but in von Essen, the city seems to shine as a mix of bright harmonic lights and more complex, swirling energy that leans towards Bill Evans's tangled emotions and dramatic effect. --Andrew Bartlett
"The first track alone is worth the price. Perfect for a summer evening, sitting on your deck with a glass of wine... A great CD."
The Work of a Master Performed by Masters
Jeffrey Courion | Beverly Hills, California | 03/30/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Eric's work masterfully engages the depths of the soul. It's damned fine jazz that's perfomed by artists who know how to engage in this art's improvisations and how to bring it all home to a wondrous thematic resolve. If mastery is defined as the ability to sense and tap the subtle nature of the profound -- this work does it. And multi-star ratings don't begin to reflect the profund universal gift this body of music clearly reflects and represents.I'm eagerly awaiting Volume 2! Eric, as is the case with fine artists, went far beyond the pale to return with the message of creative elixirs that benefit us all. He is missed -- but his gift remains!Do yourself a favor! Get it! Enjoy it! Go with it!"
Beautiful music from LA's best
Ellen | Los Angeles, CA | 05/12/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a gorgeous CD with stellar performances by some of LA's best musicians...Alan Broadbent, Alan Pasqua, Nels Cline, Peter Erskine and many others. Von Essen was a marvelous composer, and he must truly have been loved and appreciated by his colleagues for them to make a CD like this."
Eric Von Essen was a musical genius.
kate casavecchia | Boulder, CO United States | 03/29/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"His passion and intensity is visible in this stellar collection.
He is truly missed."
Currently my favorite CD
inland sailor | Wooster, OH USA | 12/23/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Normally I would not buy a CD performed by "various artists" but this is an extraordinary collection of amazing compositions by a bassist who was extremely talented.
First heard this on NPR ( jazz in prime time)and was intrigued.
The first cut sets the tone and even though the ensemble varies, the quality is consistently amazing.
Some great bass work, mellow flugelhorn, and outstanding keyboard work.
Do yourself a favor and indulge yourself. Very mellow, very listenable but provocative music.
If this is LA jazz we need more."