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Peter Erskine

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WWW.SMOOTHVIBES.COM REVIEW OF E.S.P's "TIME'S UP!" CD

While this is not an exclusively contemporary offering—at least not from many a smooth jazzer’s perspective, ESP is a group of extremely talented and competent musicians who quite obviously take their jazz seriously —as equally straight-ahead as it is contemporary in spots (actually, I’d say it is predominantly straight-ahead). Time’s Up is a fine piece of work that both contemporary fans and jazz purists can easily enjoy. This project is not really my personal preference, mind you, but that takes nothing at all from the caliber of material set forth here.

The tone, cadence, “swells,” and overall groove of many of these tunes do periodically flirt with contemporary elements, as with tunes like the generously lengthy “La Hija,” a rhythmic, melodic Latin-tinged piece that does brightly bring to light that element. “Copper Room,” with guitarist John Magnante’s stylish work, would be another that nods at the contemporary in a very handsome, controlled way. I also absolutely love Brian Scherer’s sax work on that tune. Coming to mind would also be “Stone Cold,” a real exercise in the art of timing and another testament to contemporary jazz. On the other hand, pieces like the opening track are a purist’s dream come true.

Throughout the album, Scherer’s brilliant scale work on sax and sweet melodic flute, coupled with really tasty string and electric bass lines by Matthew Vacanti, the bright guitar work by Magnante, and soothing keys by special guest Barry Blumenthal, do much to add flair to what can surely be found in the quaint, dimly lit jazz clubs across the country.

The album’s title is obviously a witty effort to speak to the diverse timing found here. “Post Bob Republic” the “walking” straight-ahead offering differs, of course, from the timing on the aforementioned “La Hija,” “Meet Me in Paris,” a smoky slow tempo bluesy little thing, “Merge,” or the previously mentioned “Stone Cold.” Blues fans should enjoy “Be-Bop-Da-Wop,” a bright yet bluesy/jazzy stroll that highlights the sharp skills of Magnante and Scherer.

All in all, this is a refreshing predominantly straight-ahead project with enough contemporary jazz infused to give it a nice shape. Not necessarily a completely balanced shape, but a nice shape nonetheless. The appeal of the marvelous melodies and the styles of the musicians and their obvious connection to the music in an easy, unimposing way speak volumes about the character of both the artists and their music. Classy effort indeed.

Ronald Jackson, April 6, 2009: www.smoothvibes.com

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SYRACUSE POST-STANDARD'S REVIEW OF E.S.P's "TIME'S UP!" CD:

Posted by Mark Bialczak April 12, 2009 6:00AM

Here's my Post-Standard review for E.S.P.'s "Time's Up!"

Bass player Matthew Vacanti says this about making a record: "It's never finished,; you just run out of time."

Hence the title of E.S.P.'s new collection, "Time's Up," on Vacanti's Baldwinsville label Spider Records.

Truth be told, all the elements seemed to be positioned just right in time and space. The fourth E.S.P. album has been percolating in the minds of founding E.S.P. members Vacanti and guitarist John Magnante since "Uptown Express" came out in 2004.

Vacanti wrote three of the all-original pieces; his contributions start with the fast and bold title cut and include the big-beat wallop of "Stone Cold." Magnante penned five, including the passionate "Copper Room" and the complex "Merge."

Woodwind standout Brian Scherer also wrote three pieces, including the rich and true "Be Bop Da Wap," in which he allows Vacanti to throw in a bass solo of the familiar "Woody Woodpecker" melody. Much fun.

With drummer Karl Sterling oh-so-solid throughout, together they play the heck out of all 11 songs. Call it an Extra Special Performance.

Catch a show: E.S.P. performs at 6 p.m. Thursdays at Mohegan Manor in Baldwinsville, and at 7 p.m. April 24 at Patz on the River in Oswego.

On the Internet: www.espjazz.org.

And, here's a update sent in by Vacanti too late to make the print edition: "Our CDBaby page is finally up," he says. "Folks can listen and buy the CD and mP3s cdbaby.com/cd/espjazz3, and, of course, at www.spiderrecords.org.

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E.S.P. Bio

E.S.P. is a tasteful, jazz quartet with a solidly contemporary sound. Their music is accessible, and engaging, while their stage presence is entertaining and fun.

These are true artists who have spent a lifetime studying the masters of jazz composition and improv, then created an exciting and wholly original sound. The members of E.S.P. work as jazz educators, clinicians, studio sidemen, and composers who perform like they know what they are doing.

Bassist Matt Vacanti and Saxophonist Brian Scherer grew up in snow bound Buffalo NY, practicing and learning from local groups like Spyrogyra when they were still only a local Buffalo band. Scherer’s stage presence propels the band forward and creates an electric energy that listeners easily relate to.

Guitarist John Magnante, a practice-aholic, and true guitarist’s guitar player, also composes like he majored in composition, instead of guitar, at G.I.T. in California years ago.

Newest member drummer, Karl Sterling grooves and swings skillfully on the new TIMES UP! CD, bringing urgency to the music with his energetic percussive style.

A combination of traditional jazz feel, great improvisation, fresh grooves and original compositions make E.S.P's sound comparable to world-class groups like the Yellowjackets and Pat Metheny.

E.S.P. is committed to promoting performances at venues through newspapers and radio stations, and using interviews and reviews when they travel.

Instrumentation
Brian Scherer - Saxophones and Flutes
John Magnante - Guitar
Matthew Vacanti - Bass
Karl Sterling - Drums

Discography
1999 E.S.P.
2002 Well...We're Huge in Europe
2005 Uptown Express
2009 Times Up!

1999 E.S.P. released their first self-titled CD. They were well received in their hometown of Syracuse NY. Newspaper headlines included: "E.S.P. Changing the face of Jazz"

Since then the quartet has released two more records. In 2002 the humorously titled "Well...We're Huge in Europe" CD was released and in 2005, they finished "Uptown Express".

The newest CD, named "Times UP!" will be released on their ten-year anniversary in February 2009.

All of the E.S.P. CDs are available through the www.spiderrecords.org website and CDBaby.com

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