Customer Reviews

Just Around the Corner

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

On his latest album, his first for Peak Records, Eric is more focused in his Smooth Jazz side, even we all know that he can be much more than that.
For the last two decades, Marienthal has been building a résumé that includes time as a sideman for Chick Corea (performing as part of his Elektric Band) and has also spent a lot of time backing up some big stars, including Elton John, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, and Johnny Mathis, among others. He's also turned out several well-received albums of his own, including some that have made the Billboard charts.
He is also a talented composer and on "Just Around The Corner" he wrote all the tracks.
His compositions are intelligently varied without undue fussiness.
"Walk Tall", a homage to alto sax great Cannonball Adderley, would seem to point to that instrument as his favorite, but he's equally at home with tenor or soprano sax and both make regular appearances on this CD.
"Open Road" and "Times Square" are possibly the album's highlights,tender, thoughtful and respectful without being over-sentimental.
On "Lost Without You" and on "Flower Child" Eric's playing is high and lyrical, tuneful but not squawky.
His sax mastery is certain and undobtful, his sax playing is very accessible and highly melodic and it is well suited to this album of Soul, Pop and Jazz.
One note : next time, we would prefer to listen to something less sugary and market-chart oriented, and more engaging and adventurous, just in the same wave of his previous work as a sideman in more straight-ahead settings with Chick Corea's Elektric Band.

Performance Credits
Eric Marienthal : Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone
Jeff Lorber : Bass, Guitar, Piano, Keyboards
Brian Culbertson : Percussion, Piano, Trombone, Keyboards
Ray Parker Jr. : Guitar
Dave Weckl : Drums
Stephen Lu : Keyboards
Michael Stever : Trumpet
Paul Rayner Brown : Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Keyboards

Eric Marienthal's got to be one of the busiest, hardest working musicians in Smooth Jazz. With the release of JUST AROUND THE CORNER, he's now got eleven solo albums to his credit as well as six with the Chick Corea Elektric Band and guest appearances on literally hundreds of other albums. He graduated from Berklee in the late 70's, received the Berklee Distinguished Alumnus award in 1995 for achievements in contemporary music and has written a number of highly respected books on the art of the jazz saxophone. Whew, what a resume! Now let's talk about this new project... from "Blue Water," the first radio single heading straight for the top of the charts, to the moving ballad, "Lost Without You," this release is a total winner for Mr. Marienthal. I hear hit after hit in a mix of mid and uptempo tunes plus some lovely ballads; all very lyrical and all with the right vibe for Smooth Jazz. Eric's support players, by the way, are top-drawer, including Brian Culbertson, Jeff Lorber, Michael O'Neill, Dave Weckl and Paul Brown. Other highlights from JUST AROUND THE CORNER include the title track, signature Marienthal with a great hook and feel that make it a likely candidate for the next single and "I Believe in You," a beautiful, lush ballad that builds to a rich emotional crescendo before its soft, sweet conclusion. Just around the corner where Smooth meets Jazz awaits an exceptional new album from one of our favorite saxophonists! ~SCOTT O'BRIEN

Eric Marienthal probabaly has one of the best all around jazz, pop, comtemporary sound!! He's just great, and the songs here are all fun and enjoyable to listen to. It is very west coast reminds me of the beach side when i listen to the cd. The last song of the record was really moving. Eric really put his heart and soul into playing it. Just gotta feel it!

Mainly upbeat with help from 2 of the Greatest Mr.Lorber and Mr.Culbertson.Radio Friendly as always ,but that aint a Bad thing.

I saw Eric perform with Jeff Lorber @ a jazz festival that I attended in June and he was so good I decided I needed to have some of his music so I bought this CD. I am sad to say I just did not care for it. Maybe I should have chosen another collection but I was not really feeling this. I wish I could sell it or give it away, maybe I'll stop by CD warehouse and they will take it off my hands.

My first purchase of music by this artist, and I was not disappointed. Great music by a great talent. I will buy more CDs by Eric Marienthal.

Eric Marienthal's latest CD "Just Around The Corner" is good. However, he has made better. The most impressive track is "Blue Water" and it is good! Wish the rest of the tracks were equal. I still enjoy him as an artist.

One of the best CDs I've ever chosen. The music is uplifting and inspirational. Thank you Amazon.

Again, Eric's link with Brian Culbetson is an excellent pairing. Do it again and again.

This cd is o.k. I didnt find anything new in this music, and this is the first time Ive sort of been disappointed. Its still good music, but I dont see him breaking any new ground