Vulnerability
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
The Southern California pianist Eric Bell makes a sizable impression on this debut, where Cole Sainburg, Nico Vazquez, Dean Anbar and Eric Hirschhorn accompany him for the 8 well thought out tracks.
The dreaminess of “Start” opens with Bell’s gorgeous keys alongside much atmosphere and fluid drumming from Vasquez for the jazz rock climate, and “The Way You Look Tonight” follows with elegant keys and Hirschhorn’s well timed jazz that emits much beauty.
“Hans” and “Fighting The Sun” land in the middle. The former makes great use of Sainburg’s bouncy bass and balances coziness with playfulness, while the latter benefits much from Anbar’s swirling guitar that creates much melody.
Near the end, “Beautiful Love” is a rich album highlight that’s energetic and dynamic, and “I Didn’t Need You Anyways” exits with a cinematic quality, where Bell’s finger acrobatics and the animated rhythm section won’t go unnoticed or unappreciated.
A multi-layered outing that swings memorably and isn’t lacking any solos, Bell and company will make anyone with an ear for jazz a fan pretty quick.
Travels well with: John Fedchock- Justifiably J.J.; Matt Booth- Sunprints