ANDY EZRIN

I WAS HERE

Ez it Iz Music

Andy Ezrin, piano/composer/arranger; John Patitucci, bass; Marcus Gilmore & Art Hoenig, drums; Donny McCaslin, tenor saxophone; Randy Brecker, trumpet.

Composer, arranger and pianist, Andy Ezrin sets the mood with his staccato introduction, like fingers bouncing with anticipation and pulling back the curtain to invite his dynamic horn section to the stage.  Randy Brecker steps forward on trumpet and Donny McCaslin joins him on tenor saxophone.  Now that they have my complete attention, Ezrin offers a piano solo that’s exciting and creative on a tune he calls “Grapes.”  When the spotlight swivels to McCaslin, the tenor saxophonist stuns me with his energetic improvisation.  Enter Randy Brecker’s satin smooth trumpet, first caressing the melody, then pouring emotion from the bell of his horn, a waterfall of cascading notes.  This is the jazz I live for and appreciate the most. Here is hard bop at its best!

Andy Ezrin is a multi-faceted piano man, who is heralded as a sensitive accompanist when working with vocalists, or an astute improvisor, whether he’s showing off his skills on the electric Fender Rhodes or the grand piano.  This ensemble’s second tune “This is What it is” introduces us to his smooth jazz side, letting McCaslin’s tenor sax sing the melody and then Ezrin slides from the piano bench into a seat at the Fender Rhodes.  Marcus Gilmore kicks some funk into the groove on drums. My toes impulsively start tapping!

“Greenwoman” is another original composition that makes me happy when I hear it and uncovers another personality shining through Ezrin’s fingers as they tinkle across the keys. You will hear not only hard bop jazz, but shades of pop and soul on this project.  Obviously, Andy Ezrin has a deep love of music.  Music has always been a pivotal and undeniable part of Ezrin’s life.

On a tune called “Luna” he presents a trio representation, just him, John Patitucci on bass, and Ari Hoenig on drums. No horns.  “Luna” is a beautiful song.  John Patitucci is featured on a bass solo that sings and dances with sincerity. Ezrin is an amazing composer.  Sometimes I hear shades of Stevie Wonder in his work, like on the introduction of the tune “Ain’t That Some Shit.”  Other times he adds a taste of fusion with an obvious nod to George Duke and Herbie Hancock.  But Ezrin’s style is all his own.  The way his fingers swing across the keys, with such precision and tempo control, is admirable.  He makes sure that the treble clef is brightly featured, traveling to the piano’s highest notes to explore his melodies. Clearly the man is a prodigy.  Music took over his life at the early age of twelve when he landed his first professional gig. The gigs have never stopped.  On this recording, Andy Ezrin spreads joy from his instrument with original tunes, sweet as jam on warm toast.  Every composition is a tasty morsel that lingers in my mind, like syrup on my tongue.

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