MARTY EHRLICH'S DARK WOODS ENSEMBLE — Sojourn (2000) Serie Radical Jewish Culture – 36 | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Essential for strong believers in soprano-saxophone jazz, Sojourn is a fine album from Marty Ehrlich's Dark Woods Ensemble. It may not be incredibly dynamic, but these mature, mellow compositions flow from semi-reflective to plaintive ("The Secret of Light") to moderne. All of the musicians contribute substantially to the project's strength. Bassist Mark Helias pulls and plucks with an excellent round, warm tone; cellist Erik Friedlander effortlessly slides between the front and back of the mix; guest Marc Ribot adds fine soloing; and Ehrlich alternates between clarinet and soprano sax. A satisfying listen replete with themes, harmonies, closure, and interesting motion all around. Joslyn Layne

One of the most respected and versatile reed players in New Music, Marty has been an integral member in the units of Julius Hemphill, Oliver Lake, Anthony Braxton and Bobby Bradford, among others. He has released many critically-acclaimed CDs on a variety of labels, but none more touching or personal as Sojourn, his contribution to Tzadik’s series of Radical Jewish Culture. Exploring the roots of his own Jewish heritage, Marty take us on a new path with his intimate Dark Woods ensemble, touching upon Coltrane and Klezmer on his journey. Sojourn is a very special release by one of today’s most accomplished composer/performers. A musician’s musician, his compositions are contrapuntally more complex and have a delightful folklike simplicity. Tzadik
Tracklist :
1.    The Open Return    8:02
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
2.    Eliahu: 2nd Variation    6:52
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
3.    Blind Willie McTell 5:31
Composed By – Bob Dylan
4.    The Git Go    4:17
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
5.    The Secret Of Light    7:31
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
6.    Hillel's Riddle    5:31
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
7.    Sojourn    5:17
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
8.    The Modzitzer Nigun 3:36
– Traditional
Arranged By [Arr. By] – Marty Ehrlich
Credits :
Bass [Marty Ehrlich's Dark Woods Ensemble] – Mark Helias
Cello [Marty Ehrlich's Dark Woods Ensemble] – Erik Friedlander
Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone [Marty Ehrlich's Dark Woods Ensemble] – Marty Ehrlich
Design – Ikue Mori
Ensemble – Marty Ehrlich's Dark Woods Ensemble
Executive-Producer – John Zorn
Guest [Special Guest], Guitar – Marc Ribot