"This piano man knows how to give everyone on stage some and leads his way though a delightful mainstream jazz set that simply jumps, bops and plays on it’s merry way with just the right energy and bounce. Everyone is simply busy having a good time and if you know how to follow suit, this is a major release that is pure enjoyment. We’re always up for a good time like this."
- Chris Spector - Midwest Record, Volume 32/Number 309, September 5, 2009
"The second quality is the consistent originality of Eric Muhler. His chord voicings are his own, his improvisations are full of constant surprises and, although quite aware of the jazz tradition, he sounds unlike any of his predecessors. His writing is also very fresh and personal, evolving before listeners’ ears and expressing a wide variety of emotions and moods. While always swinging in its own way, this is not revival bebop."
- Scott Yanow - Author of ten books on jazz including The Jazz Singers, Bebop, Trumpet Kings, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917–76 Read the Entire Review
"Muhler has a special affinity for contemplative ballads, as shown in “Starting,” featuring an inspired and melodic Wilcox solo, “Goodbye to a Painted Lady,” with Muhler dramatic at times on the appealing melody, and “Song for Jane,” including advanced harmonies as well as a lullaby from Muhler on solo piano."
- Don Lerman - Cadence Magazine Read the Entire Review
"Listening to Eric's music intently can actually change neuron paths in the brain. His quiet side is at home in Nirvana; his adventurous side is a quick path to enlightenment."
- Joe Jacovac, East Bay Rambler
"As
a musician, Muhler has a very open harmonic sense, impressionist
with lots of chromatic runs, but tinted with blue notes. At
times his work is reminiscent of Jarrett in his rhythmic sense,
with a wilder chromatic palette... Muhler is up to the beauty
of the instrument he is playing."
-
Phillip McNally, Cadence Magazine
Read the
Entire Review
"Sunny
Muslin, one of the most
absorbing Muhler pieces on the album, is a true exercise in
tension building and suspense. Muhler slowly lets the music
snowball and, at the height of the piece, the pianist plays
some inspired McCoy Tyner-esque clusters that gnaw at your musical
soul. While he certainly took his time building to a climax,
Muhler is able to easily dissolve the tension, coax you into
a comfort zone and then toy with the tension again as things
gain steam and then die down to conclude this piece."
-
Dan Bilawsky, New York Jazz Guide Read
the Entire Review
"Eric Muhler has rapidly re-established himself as one
of the finest jazz pianists and composers in Northern California."
- Mark McLeod
Other Worlds -
"Taking his time on eight cuts, with four of them over the eight minute mark and two cuts approaching ten minutes, Muhler performs with great presence and patience, leaving time and space between impressionistic piano thoughts."
- Don Lerman - Cadence Magazine Read the Entire Review
"Eric
Muhler displays a wonderful personal spirit while tipping his
hat to McCoy Tyner. He also shows a sensitive ballad interpretation
and touch, and his compositions are interesting and hip. I look
forward to hearing more of Eric."
-
Jazz pianist and composer Larry Vuckovich
"Eric
Muhler's new CD, Live
at the Jazz School, presents
a wide range of musical expressions from
the introspective Goodbye
to a Painted Lady to
the McCoy Tyner-like Sand
Castles. This CD is sure
to be enjoyed by the listening audience that prefers contrasting
moods in jazz. This recording demonstrates Eric's tremendous
talents both as a pianist and as a composer."
-
Bill Bell, The Jazz Professor, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Peralta
Colleges
"Inventive
and Swingin'!
-
Eddie Marshall - Drum Great & Living Jazz Treasure of
San Francisco
"Eric's
CD, Other Worlds, recorded at Berkeley's Fantasy Studios, provides
a window into the world of Eric's composition and performance.
Always lyrical, often introspective, alternately spare and then
abundant, the pieces bear resemblance to some of my favorite
recordings of solo piano giants Keith Jarrett and Art Lande."
-
Downtown Restaurant Jazz Club
