Press & Reviews
Marin Independant Journal
Paul Liberatore
2009
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This fine CD, the "The Jury Is Out,” is the fifth from veteran Bay Area jazz pianist Eric Muhler, a welcome new addition to the Marin music scene.
Recorded live at the intimate Hillside Club in Berkeley, "The Jury Is Out" showcases seven Muhler originals played by his quartet, featuring saxophonist Sheldon Brown, bassist Michael Wilcox and drummer Brian Andres.
The title track is a wild ride that opens with Brown's racing sax and evolves into an exhilarating piano solo that displays Muhler's power as well as his finesse.
The tune "Sun and Clouds" brings Wilcox center stage, showing his skill and versatility on bass with an extended solo that ends with appreciative applause. It's a piece that's melodic, at times mellow, but always fascinating.
All of Muhler's compositions are like little journeys, road trips that twist and turn and reward listeners with surprises around every corner. He has that very rare gift for melody, creating pretty musical figures that are pleasing and plangent, scintillating and satisfying.
Muhler's music could very easily be classified as smooth jazz, but it's far too inventive and adventurous to be pigeon holed in that pejorative category.
This is an album from a seasoned musician whose musical maturity may very well be a reflection of the difficult personal journey he's endured in recent years, including the break up of his marriage of 22 years and surviving stage three throat cancer.
Personal issues aside, the verdict is in on "The Jury Is Out." This is a masterful jazz album.
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