I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, I Was Here, from Andy Ezrin and it's a solid mix of jazz and fusion styling. Opening with Grapes, Randy Brecker on trumpet and Donny McCaslin on tenor sax blend nicely creating an inviting intro. Andy Ezrin on piano sets up the melody on piano and improvises a broader theme, with strong solo lines by McCaslin, joined by John Patitucci on bass and Marcus Gilmore on drums. A vibrant solo by Brecker really stands out nicely before the 5 circle back for a cohesive opener. Easy shuffle, Greenwoman, finds McCaslin leading the melody on sax. Patitucci on bass sets up a complex bass line reinforced by Gilmore's riveting snare work on drums and an aggressive solo by McCaslin contrasts nicely with Ezrin's solo work on piano. Pop funky, Ain't That Some Shit, is a definite radio track with McCaslin wailing on tenor sax, floating on a bed of piano and B3 by Ezrin. A snappy bottom by Patitucci and Ari Hoenig on drums. Wiggle Room is my favorite track on the release with a lot of freedom around a central melody, anchored by Patitucci and Gilmore but stimulating soloing by Ezrin and McCaslin and Patitucci. Brecker had the lead on Never Enough, with it's memorable melody and pace. Ezrin walks the melody along on piano, joined by Patitucci making for another of my favorite tracks on the release. Wrapping the release is Cascades, a clean piano elaboration by Ezrin. With a nice phrasing and execution, a great closer for a cool release.
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