Gerry Eastman: Lovecentric

From a jazz opera called Progress Comes With Cost, five of this album’s eight tracks were written by Eastman, a talented guitarist whose fluid, progressive approach brings to mind the work of Pat Martino and Sonny Greenwich. Carla Cook and Andy Bey ably handle the three vocal numbers, which come off as particularly moody and mannered taken out of context of the opera for which they were written. In addition to the original material, there are three tunes by Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and John Coltrane on which Eastman demonstrates the scope of his prowess, which includes highly articulated flurries, effective chord work and propulsive comping. Pianist Sayuri Goto, bassist Leon Dorsey, drummer Newman Baker and saxman Joe Ford play supporting roles throughout this quirky but otherwise grooving program.

Originally Published December 1, 2000