Alan Rosenthal Elbow Grease

Alan Rosenthal
Elbow Grease
Street of Stars Records

While classically brained, pianist-composer Alan Rosenthal has become immersed in the New York jazz scene. The brother of author David Rosenthal (author of "Hard Bop"), he is a pianist of some reputation. This new mainstream jazz release has him joined by various combinations of musicians including Alan Chaubert - trumpet; Patience Higgins - tenor sax; Peter Brainin - soprano and tenor sax; Scott Reeves - trombone; Bill Ware - vibes; Brian Glassman - bass; John Loehrke - bass; Steve Johns – drums; and Mike Campenni - drums.

Rosenthal composed 8 of the 9 compositions performed in various configurations. The disc opens with a thoughtful, measured solo performance, "Another Sky." It is followed by "Up The Kazoo," a bright, bouncy sextet with striking riffing horns set against a marching groove. Ware's vibes add attractive colors in the ensemble before his solo with the leader lightly comping under him. Bassist Glassman is also showcased here.

Five of the 9 tunes are performed by a piano trio of Rosenthal, Glassman, and Campenni. "Blue J" is a charming piece that shows the close interplay between the three, as well as reveals Rosenthal's skillful touch and ability to construct intriguing, intricate solo. The energetic "Drop Me Here" exhibits the subtle shifts in timbre and dynamics of his approach. Bassist Glassman is more prominent in his supporting role on "Guitar Knee," on which Campenni's understated, but skillful percussion adds to this performance.

Two selections have a quartet of saxophonist Peter Brainin, bassist Loehrke, and drummer Johns. "Monk Over Marrakesh," places the spotlight on Brainin on both soprano and tenor sax and bassist Loehrke with the leader's skeletal accompaniment. "Dextrously" is a strong hard-bop number with robust tenor sax propelled by the rhythm section. Rosenthal's solo here is one of the highlights of the recording. The one cover is the trio's performance of Jerome Kern's "They Didn't Believe Me," with Rosenthal quoting "Fascinating Rhythm" and other standards in his rendition.

Alan Rosenthal plays with both "Elbow Grease" and thoughtful restraint on a marvelously played and very engaging piano jazz release.

I received my review copy from a publicist.

Eliane Amherd is Here "Now and From Now On"

Swiss born singer-songwriter and guitarist, Eliane Amherd, has established herself amongst the New York jazz, latin and Brazilian music scene. A graduate of the New School’s Jazz Program she has a new self-produced CD Now and From Now On that displays her musical sensibility that extends beyond any specific genre. Backed by an unusual band of Bill Ware’s vibes, Gustavo Amarante on bass, Willard Dyson on drums and Ze Mauricio on percussion, she brings a hip, varied musical performance with her smokey delivery of her free flowing lyrics (with exception of Tom Waits’ “Temptation”). One might suggest as a reference point that Eliane Amherd sounds like a Sheryl Crow with a jazz and world-music sensibility.

Emherd is more than an intriguing singer as she displays some sharp guitar chops on As If, followed by the afro-beat of Me TeTan Pliji with its very playful rhythms and lyrics (she effectively has overdubbed backing vocals here and elsewhere) “I’d like to swim in the ocean, like to swim in the ocean, like to be in the deep blues sea; but all I have here is a river, all i have is a river, much too wild and too cold is he.” Don’t Give Up On Me has a bluesy flavor, and in addition to her pleading vocal, has some nice guitar. The playful Afro-Caribbean rhythms complement the vocal for the ironic Feel a Little Sorry For Yourself as she sings about the recession special and cocktail hour that one should take full advantage of feel sorry for oneself. The wistful Where Is Home (“do I go east, do i go west, don’t know no more, which way is best”) is followed by the playful vocals and lyrics Let Me Explain, with its bossa rhythms. Wait’s Temptation draws out a sultriness in Emherd’s vocals while her guitar chords help frame Bill Ware’s vibes solo.


Overall, Emherd impresses as a singer and songwriter and the arrangements she has provided her band strengthen the effect of what this listener found to be quite captivating music here. Now and From Now On is wonderfully recorded by Jason Sarubbi and while the 11 performances only last 38 minutes, the performances are small gems. It is available at cdbaby.com and Eliane’s website is www.elianeperforms.com.
I received a review copy from a publicist for this release.