Into The Night…
CAP, 2021
9/10
The trombonist, keyboardist and composer Eric Goletz gets quite diverse on this effort, where he brings in 10 players to help flesh out a funk filled, jazz friendly, rock’n’roll adventure where as many as 5 horns accompany the meticulous and universally embraceable song craft.
“Say What?” leads with Goletz’s animated and skilled trombone before bursting into a lively jazz rocker where Joe Mowatt’s agile percussion and Mitch Schechter’s warm keys provide much strength, and “Mr. PC” follows with solo brass before building into stunning big band prowess as the band do justice to the Coltrane original.
Near the middle, the setting turns dreamy for “After Hours”, as a romantic mood unfolds with flowing melody, while “Steppin’ Out” emits much energy in its chemistry that blends brass, keys and Henry Heinitsh’s guitar lines fluidly. “What Is This Thing…”, one of the album’s most radiant tunes, then gets busy with plenty of swift grooves and tumbling percussion in the Cole Porter classic.
Residing near the end, the Latin influences of “Cat On The Corner” won’t go unnoticed as plenty of strategic horns align with clever drumming and Mark Hagan’s agile bass, and “Lullaby” finishes the album indeed softly, where soothing strummed guitar and gentle brass that’s soulful exit on a very memorable note.
A veteran of the jazz scene who has been active since the mid ‘80s, Goletz actually started piecing the concept of this record together 25 years ago. When it was finally time to lay the tracks down, Covid hit and the process became more challenging. Often rehearsing in public since studios were closed, Goletz and company ultimately succeed in one of the most exciting and rewarding fusion albums you’ll hear this year.
Travels well with: Gregg Karukas- Serenata; The David Angel Jazz Ensemble- Out On The Coast