Customer Reviews

Walk Tall

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

this is one of the finest CD in contemporary jazz--I don't purchase too many CDs but this one is a keeper

I've been wearing this CD out for a long time. I've also been a Marienthal fan for a long time -- he's a guy who's been paying his dues in the world of music. The first three cuts alone -- "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy," "Work Song," and "Walk Tall" -- along with the fifth cut, "Imagine That," are worth the effort of getting this recording. This tribute is genuinely rewarding. Opinionated ultra-"purists" may quibble or disagree, but Marienthal has genuinely done an excellent job of infusing unexpected and astonishing new life and vigor into these great Cannonball Adderley pieces. If you are really devoted to the saxophone, and you haven't yet heard Eric on the horn with the legacy of Cannonball, then you're really going to have a moment of revelation with this one. Absolutely nothing will distract you from this recording. Imagine that!

I bet Cannonball Adderly would enjoy sitting back and taking this in. It's a great collection of classics, recorded with state-of-the-art technology, but with an appreciation for the purity of the original work. Marienthal is faithful to the source and adds his own love of Adderley's work to make this a gem in anyone's jazz collection.

Eric Marienthal is an excellent saxophonist, excelling in smooth, straight ahead, and big band jazz. That said, it's really tough to hear Cannonball's classics, both the bop and soul jazz tunes, rendered so smoothly. Eric's version of Mercy, Mercy, Mercy lacks all the soul that made the original so hip. I involuntarily cringed after the transition between Cannonball's spoken word intro and the new, oh-so-smooth drum machine groove. Work Song is supposed to be a field blues sung by slaves, and the original really does so with a driving, intense feel. This version is just weak and, let's face it, extremely white.

If you like smooth jazz, Eric Marienthal is an excellent player of that genre, but if you are expecting a Cannonball tribute that actually captures the soul behind Cannonball's music, this isn't it. Extremely smooth interpretations lacking the fire that made Cannonball such a master.

Eric astonishes me with his creative use of the saxophone and I always aspire to be in his shoes. This one deserves about 10 stars at least. For more great Eric solos, check out the GRP All-Star recordings.

This album, and, all others on which Eric can be heard truly demonstrate his phenomenal musicianship, including amazing lyricism, creativity and unparalleled technical ability.

The collaboration with Stanley Clarke and Lee Ritenour is,as Russel Ferrante AMAZING,cause they perform in Cannonbal spirit and I like it.But the Lorber end tune it's Lorber my favorite style.Congratulations now with schedule to play live Mr Marienthal.

Eric Marienthal is one of the best (and most underrated) sax players of our time. This album showcases more of his smooth jazz genres, however, believe it!!!---he can play anything! Seeing him play live, his artistry is varied, spontaneous & soulful.

"Work Song" is perfection with a little help from the talented Chris Botti on trumpet. Eric's version of "Skylark" is deep, moody, and magical. The acoustical arrangement is so gorgeous. "Imagine That" which was co-written by Eric and his keyboard player Rob Mullins is very fine indeed! Rob's keyboards have an almost "Bob James" feeling, yet are truly his own. "Here In My Heart" another orignal song written by Rob Mullins has a light Latin feel. Check out Michael Thompson's addition on guitar. "Country Preacher" is haunting but very sweet and tender. "Unit 7" features Eric smouldering on sax, plus the talented Stanley Clarke on bass, and Lee Ritenour cooking on guitar. "Groove Runner" is something soulful with Eric on sax, Jeff Lorber on drum, base, and keyboards, plus Michael Thompson on guitar. I defy you not to be impressed with what you will hear!!!!

If you think you haven't heard Eric Marienthal, check out some of this work on albums from Chick Corea, David Benoit, The Rippingtons, Keiko Matsui, Toni Tennille, John Tesh, and George Kahn. This album, produced with inspiration, is a gem!

I have several of Eric Marienthals CD's. I believe him to be the most passionate sax players of our times. This new CD "Walk Tall" takes you to many depths of emotion. His music is inspiring and just plain fun to listen to! I know you'll LOVE this CD.

This is a wonderful CD with echoes of the stylings and feel of Cannonball Adderley. It grows on you as you listen to it and it's a great way to spend part of a quiet evening. It offers me a mental escape from a house full of the sounds of young children. I can tell the artist invested soul and a love of music in the creation of this album.