Search - Eric Reed :: Manhattan Melodies

Manhattan Melodies
Eric Reed
Manhattan Melodies
Genres: Jazz, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (10) - Disc #1

Since taking over the piano bench previously occupied by Marcus Roberts in the Wynton Marsalis band, Eric Reed has quietly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in contemporary jazz. On Manhattan Melodies he r...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Eric Reed
Title: Manhattan Melodies
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Grp Records
Original Release Date: 8/10/1999
Release Date: 8/10/1999
Genres: Jazz, Pop
Styles: Modern Postbebop, Bebop
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 011105029421, 0011105029421

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Since taking over the piano bench previously occupied by Marcus Roberts in the Wynton Marsalis band, Eric Reed has quietly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in contemporary jazz. On Manhattan Melodies he returns with his regular trio of Reginald Veal (bass) and Gregory Hutchinson (drums) for an album of songs that pay tribute to the city so nice they named it twice, New York, New York. While not as splashy or idiosyncratic as some of his piano contemporaries, Reed is an outstanding player privileged with a band that swings with effortless grace and understated muscularity. To his credit, Reed is both captain of the squad and a team player, often allowing his sidemen to shine while he lays low. While many tunes here seem obligatory (his "Harlemania" suite contains "Drop Me Off in Harlem," "Harlem Nocturne," and "Take the 'A' Train,") to the album's theme, Reed also interprets Paul Simon's "59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)" and Sting's "Englishman in New York" to add contemporary flavor. The album's centerpiece is a smoky-cool Dianne Reeves appearance on "Letter to Betty Carter." Just one of many classy moments on a very classy album. --S. Duda

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CD Reviews

A MUST BUY FOR CONTEMPORARY JAZZ PIANO FANS
08/14/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you are hip to Brad Mehldau, Geoff Keezer, Mulgrew Miller, Benny Green, etc. You will LOVE this cd. Eric is an amazing player."
An album which will far exceed your expectations
P. Masuda | Encino, CA | 03/19/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is piano trio jazz, and it doesn't get much better than

this. It's bebop, swing, blues, it's classic, it's contempo-

rary, it's Eric Reed's take on some great well known melodies.

It's happy music, it grooves and rocks, every last tune is

a gem, my personal favorite being his fresh version of The

59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy), Blues Five Spot,

and the NYC Medley which kicks off with a beautiful version

of Autumn in New York. He is a great soloist, and his improv

on this album is free and fluid. He takes standard tunes

in a fresh direction, breathing new and contemporary life

into each interpretation. It is a rare and pleasant surprise

when an album far exceeds your expectations making you feel

like you got more than your money's worth. This album is

just that, get it and hear for yourself!"
Fantastic
P. Masuda | 01/08/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"To call Eric Reed gifted would be a vast understatement. His piano playing is superb, incorporating many different styles while creating his own at the same time. The record's opening song, a rockin' swingin' rendition of Simon and Garfunkel's "Feelin' Groovy" is absolutely fabulous. Reed's version of Monk's "Blues Five Spot" proves that he can play anything with ease. Reed, although an energic and exciting player, also excells at playing ballads, especially Sting's "Englishman in New York." But to call attention to any one song off of this album would be an injustice. The album is wonderful from start to finish, you won't be displeased."