Album Review
Pianist Eric Muhler has an extensive background studying classical music, playing and leading rock bands, and eventually switching to jazz. After taking 15 years off to be a full-time parent (although he did continue playing and writing on a part-time basis during that period), Muhler returned to records with two CDs. While Live at the Jazz School is a trio set, Something New is his second solo album, following Other Worlds (which dates from the 1980s) by about 20 years. Muhler's basic style has not changed too much since Other Worlds, but his depth, sensitivity, and range have increased. Influenced most by Keith Jarrett and to a lesser extent by McCoy Tyner, Muhler may recall Jarrett when jamming soulfully on a one- or two-chord vamp, but in general he has his own sound. On Something New he performs eight originals and four standards. Of the more notable tracks, "Something Old (What's the Woogie?)" sounds like a boogie-woogie at times but without sticking to bass patterns or blues chord changes. "Sweet Dreams" sounds a little like a Scottish or Irish folk song, he revitalizes "All of You" with an inventive arrangement, Horace Silver's "The Preacher" is quite joyful, and "Something Blue" gives Muhler an opportunity to dig into the blues. Muhler's thoughtful interpretations of ballads, which give one the feeling that he is speaking through his music ("Nicole Caterina" is a good example), are also not to be missed. Recommended.
