JOHN LINDBERG · MARTY EHRLICH — In Duet - Unison (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1.    Sound Stories  (21:02)
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
1.1    Unison    
1.2    So Long Long Song    
2.    Mellow T  16:08
Composed By – John Lindberg
3.    Variations On A Theme By Charlie Mingus    9:51
Credits :
Bass, Liner Notes – John Lindberg
Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Flute – Marty Ehrlich

MARTY EHRLICH — The Welcome (1989) Two Version | APE (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Marty Ehrlich would come to possess one of the larger sideman discographies of any musician associated with the avant-garde, but The Welcome was his first album as a leader and a very enjoyable one. Using only a trio (with the very fine rhythm team of Anthony Cox and Pheeroan AkLaff, much of the spotlight is on Ehrlich's own playing and he wields several of the multitude of reed instruments at his command. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he tends not to stress his outside credentials by over-blowing or shrieking but rather by his choice of notes and timbres, often maintaining a cool veneer over his idiosyncratic melodic phrasing. His tone on alto is a bit reminiscent of one of his teachers, Julius Hemphill (perhaps with a dash of Arthur Blythe), and his compositional style appears to owe something to Henry Threadgill's work with Air, but one can clearly hear Ehrlich carving his own distinct niche this first time out. Gently swinging and juicily off-kilter, The Welcome is a fine initial effort and pointed the way toward a rich spectrum of subsequent creations. Brian Olewnick
Tracklist :
1.    Hybrid    4:37
2.    Lament (In Passing)    4:58
3.    The Welcome    7:19
4.    Generosity    7:42
5.    Dark Woods Bright Sparks    7:26
6.    Stride    6:32
Credits :
 Alto Saxophone [Alto Sax], Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Composed By [All Compositions By] – Marty Ehrlich
Bass – Anthony Cox
 Drums – Pheeroan AkLaff

MARTY EHRLICH — Pliant Plaint (1988) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

The first of two Enja sets matching Marty Ehrlich (on clarinet, bass clarinet, alto, flute and alto flute) with Stan Strickland (tenor, soprano and flute), this inside/outside music also features bassist Anthony Cox and drummer Bobby Previte. The complex yet consistently colorful repertoire has plenty of variety, including one piece ("After After All") that is totally composed by and has Ehrlich as the only musician, overdubbing on several of his horns. The many tone colors provided by the two horn players and the strong originals make this a set worth searching for by listeners into the more adventurous side of jazz. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    Celebration In Capetown    7:26
2.    The All Told Alto Blues    3:53
3.    After After All    2:25
4.    Pliant Plaint    7:50
5.    After All    10:26
6.    Willie Whipporwill's Back Slidin' Heart Throb Two-Step    6:29
7.    What I Know Now    4:00
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Flute, Alto Flute, composed by – Marty Ehrlich
Double Bass – Anthony Cox
Drums – Robert Previte
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Stan Strickland

MARTY EHRLICH — The Traveller's Tale (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Solid, energized solos by Marty Ehrlich on a variety of saxophones and flute, plus equally animated playing from co-saxophonist Stan Strickland on tenor, soprano, and flute. The two-sax frontline, plus tasteful, probing bass/drum help from Lindsey Horner and Robert Previte, not only fills the spaces open due to the absence of a pianist, but periodically shift the mood, focus, and tempo. Ron Wynn

Tracklist :
1.    The Short Circle In The Long Line    6:46
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
2.    The Reconsidered Blues    4:52
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
3.    The Traveller's Tale    8:58
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
4.    March  5:33
Composed By – Robin Holcomb
5.    Alice's Wonderland 6:32
Composed By – Charles Mingus

6.    Melody For Madeleine    7:43
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
7.    Plowshare People    7:40
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
8    Lonnie's Lament 5:55
Composed By – John Coltrane
Credits :
Alto Saxophone [Alto Sax], Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Composed By, Producer [Produced By] – Marty Ehrlich
Artwork [Cover Painting] – Oliver Jackson 
Double Bass – Lindsey Horner
Drums – Bobby Previte
Soprano Saxophone [Soprano Sax] – Marty Ehrlich (tracks: 4, 8), Stan Strickland (tracks: 1)
Tenor Saxophone [Tenor Sax], Voice – Stan Strickland

MARTY EHRLICH — Side By Side (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1.    Side By Side  7:24
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
2.    The Adding Song  5:09
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
3.    Hadrian's Wall  7:53
Composed By – Mike Nock
4.    Sugar Water  6:57
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
5.    Stride  2:51
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
6.    Silent Refrain  5:32
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
7.    Johnny Come Lately  5:53
Composed By – Billy Strayhorn
Time's Counsel / The Far West Woman    (13:06)
8.1    Time's Counsel  9:00
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
8.2    The Far West Woman  4:06
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
Credits :
Bass – Anthony Cox
Drums – Andrew Cyrille
Piano – Wayne Horvitz
Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet, Liner Notes – Marty Ehrlich
Trombone – Frank Lacy

MARTY EHRLICH'S DARK WOODS ENSEMBLE — Emergency Peace (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

It's a fascinating blend of improvisation and original structures. Myles Boisen
Tracklist :
1.    Emergency Peace    10:14
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
2.    Dusk  9:25
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
Piano – Muhal Richard Abrams
3.    The Painter    7:23
  Composed By – Julius Hemphill
4.    The Tucked Sleeve Of A One-Armed Boy    1:33
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
5.    Unison    9:29
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
6.    Double Dance    3:42
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
7.    Circle The Heart    8:37
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
8.    Charlie In The Parker  4:46
Composed, Piano By – Muhal Richard Abrams
9.    Tribute    5:38
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
Credits :
Artwork [Cover Art] – Roberto Juarez
Cello – Abdul Wadud
Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Flute, Flute [Wooden Flutes], Alto Saxophone – Marty Ehrlich
Double Bass – Lindsey Horner

MARTY EHRLICH — Can You Hear A Motion? (1994) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

This quartet release matches the cool-toned reeds of Marty Ehrlich (heard on clarinet, alto, and soprano) and Stan Strickland (doubling on flute and tenor) with bassist Michael Formanek (who operates as an active partner) and the quietly supportive drummer Bobby Previte. Their unpredictable music ranges from free bop à la Ornette Coleman (including a tenor-alto duet rendition of Coleman's "Comme Il Faut"), a pair of John Carter tributes to Jaki Byard's "Ode to Charlie Parker" (which includes transcriptions of part of trumpeter Booker Little's solo from its original recording), and the modern classical harmonies of "Pictures in a Glass House." Throughout the improvisations are a logical outgrowth of the written sections and vice versa. The musicians constantly react to each other, making this stimulating and passionate but quiet music well worth acquiring. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    The Black Hat    10:28
Written-By – Marty Ehrlich
2.    The Welcome    8:08
Written-By – Marty Ehrlich
3.    Pictures In A Glass House    4:41
Written-By – Marty Ehrlich
4.    North Star    8:38
Written-By – Marty Ehrlich
5.    Ode To Charlie Parker    6:19
Written-By – Jaki Byard 
6.    Reading The River (For John Carter)    4:42
Written-By – Marty Ehrlich
7.    One For Robin    6:40
Written-By – Marty Ehrlich
8.    Comme Il Faut    4:56
Written-By – Marty Ehrlich
Credits :
Bass – Michael Formanek
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Marty Ehrlich
Drums – Bobby Previte
Flute, Tenor Saxophone – Stanley Strickland

MARTY EHRLICH'S DARK WOODS ENSEMBLE — Just Before The Dawn (1995) FLAC (tracks), lossless

The second Darkwoods Ensemble recording for multi-woodwind instrumentalist/composer Ehrlich is a true winner, and a progressive jazz icon for the '90s. To paraphrase Ehrlich's own description of his music "Sounds startle the air... birds call across as if the light won't come... these sounds will find a center or the center will change... metal hued breath across strings... birds in the darkness, waiting for no one... open the door, wake these sounds, just before the dawn." Ehrlich is assisted in this quest by French horn player Vincent Chancey, bassist Mark Helias, cellist Erik Friedlander, and percussionist Don Alias.

At their most free and uninhibited, the group digs in on "Side By Side" with Ehrlich's clarinet setting off some unison lines and a cello-bass-conga groove bridge, or there's the scatter shot improv, prompted by serious bass clarinet and goofy French horn, with terpsichorean tuneful unison during "Dance #1." Elephantine clarion calls from Chancey with other animals chattering on a freely associated "Underground/Overground" is a prelude for swooping bird sounds via the strings and quite soulful unison horns in this segmented piece. Also highly developed is the risky "Flight" starting as a whack waltz, going to multi-faceted lighthouse beam spotted melodies, and an intense, free bridge that suddenly stops, making way for introspective, collective meditations. As complexly written is "Thickets," with haunting cello, ethnic percussion, minimalist, repeated clarinet and NYC urgent traffic motifs. A more mournful bass/cello/alto sax informs "Mudpie Anthem" with additional chamber-like counterpoint. The most tuneful asides are the wood flute/percussion Afro-Cuban groove of "Spirit Of J.A.H." (for Julius Hemphill), the heavy bass/bass clarinet ostinato of "Eliahu," and the lilting, beautiful, tuneful flute/plucked cello/shaker percussion beaut "The Folksinger."

This music needs to be heard by all who love a good joust from improvising musicians who fully understand shadings, nuance, power and glory. Highly recommended, and a high point in Ehrlich's substantial discography. Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist :
1..    Spirit Of JAH    2:27
 Don Alias / Marty Ehrlich 
2.    Thickets    6:40
 Marty Ehrlich 
3.    Mudpie Anthem    7:56
 Mark Helias 
4.    Dance No. 1    6:07
 Marty Ehrlich 
5.    Flight    8:22
 Marty Ehrlich 
6.    The Folksinger    7:13
 Marty Ehrlich 
7.    Side By Side    6:59
 Marty Ehrlich 
8.    Underground/Overground    7:16
 Marty Ehrlich 
9.    Eliahu    6:31
 Marty Ehrlich 
Credits :
Cello – Erik Friedlander
Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Flute, Flute [Wooden Flutes], Liner Notes – Marty Ehrlich
Double Bass – Mark Helias
French Horn – Vincent Chancey
Percussion – Don Alias

MARTY EHRLICH — New York Child (1996) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Marty Ehrlich's music tends to be both melodic and exploratory, comfortable yet full of unexpected twists and turns. Switching between four reeds on his quintet set (which co-stars the complementary tenor of Stan Strickland in the frontline), Ehrlich emphasizes lyricism and strong themes, expertly setting up improvisations with well-conceived arrangements. The leader's nine originals flow together quite well, so one does not remember individual pieces as much as the friendly atmosphere and attractive colors on a whole. An underrated clarinetist who certainly ranks in the top ten of the 1990s, Ehrlich also displays a fresh musical personality on alto, soprano and bass clarinet, while his notable rhythm section (pianist Michael Cain, bassist Michael Formanek and drummer Bill Stewart) is both tight and spontaneous. Together with the fine tenor of Strickland, they create an unclassifiable set of surprisingly accessible modern jazz. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    New York Child    4:57
 Marty Ehrlich 
2.    Generosity    7:04
 Marty Ehrlich 
3.    Georgia Blue    4:46
 Julius Hemphill 
4.    Tell Me This    10:02
 Marty Ehrlich 
5.    Elvin's Exit    8:17
 Marty Ehrlich 
6.    Prelude    2:43
 Michael Cain / Marty Ehrlich 
7.    Time And The Wild Words    5:01
 Marty Ehrlich 
8.    Untitled    5:44
 Marty Ehrlich 
9.    Turn Again    9:09
 Jerome Harris 
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Marty Ehrlich
Double Bass – Michael Formanek
Drums – Bill Stewart
Piano – Michael Cain
Tenor Saxophone – Stan Strickland

MARTY EHRLICH + BEN GOLDBERG — Light At The Crossroads (1997) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

The opening number on this intriguing set, "Texas," and almost sounds like a tribute to Eric Dolphy, with Marty Ehrlich and Ben Goldberg both on bass clarinets battling it out for a time. However, Dolphy's influence on the two reed players (who double on clarinet) is much less than one would expect. Much of the music could be considered "freebop," with a pulse generated by bassist Trevor Dunn often serving as the main foundation for the pieces. Dunn is a powerful and sometimes thunderous player who is also expert at using space in the pianoless quartet. While drummer Kenny Wollesen plays quietly and with subtlety, the focus is mostly on the co-leaders. Ehrlich and Goldberg contributed four originals apiece, all but Wayne Horvitz's "Ask Me Later." The music covers a wide variety of moods, is sometimes melancholy (as on "What I Lost") and at other times heated. Highlights include Ehrlich's haunting "Twos" (the most memorable melody on the date), the unaccompanied bass clarinet duet on "April 4," and the surprisingly upbeat "Hopeless." This date mixes improvising with inventive arrangements and is well worth hearing several times, since a lot of creative ideas are expressed throughout the session. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    Texas    4:04
Written-By – Goldberg
2.    I Don't Know This World Without Don Cherry    7:10
 Written-By – Ehrlich
3.    What I Lost    6:11
Written-By – Goldberg
4.    Ask Me Later 7:36
Written-By – Wayne Horvitz
5.    Dark Sestina    7:22
 Written-By – Ehrlich
6.    Hopeless    4:13
Written-By – Goldberg
7.    Twos    3:54
 Written-By – Ehrlich
8.    April 4    4:20
Written-By – Goldberg
9.    Light At The Crossroads    6:54
 Written-By – Ehrlich
Credits :
Bass – Trevor Dunn
Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Producer – Ben Goldberg, Marty Ehrlich
Drums, Other [Bug] – Kenny Wollesen

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

MARTY EHRLICH'S TRAVELER'S TALES — Malinke's Dance (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

After a seven-year recording hiatus, Ehrlich's Travelers Tale quartet revives the spirit of that band with new material and a couple of older faves. Fellow saxophonist Tony Malaby, electric bass guitarist Jerome Harris, and drummer Bobby Previte are in the fold for these highlights of a four-day club date at the Knitting Factory/NYC. Except for the Julius Hemphill post-bop cartoonish, off-kilter harmonic line "Pigskin" with Harris's two-note bass and Bob Dylan's pop ballad alto feature for the leader "Tears of Rage," this is a program of Ehrlich's original, modern creative music. A boppish paeon to Ornette Coleman "Rhymes" kicks off the date, with the two saxes separate and equal. "Story" lines from the soprano (Ehrlich)/tenor (Malaby) front lines with an ostinato bass groove weave through the intricate title track for Malinke Elliott, spaced alto and soprano unison lines swim in funky or swinging marinade during a recapitulation of "North Star," while Ehrlich's signature pungent alto leads Malaby's agreeable tenor in the free, open terrain, traded extended lines of "Line on Love." Based on the changes of "I Remember You" is "Bright Remembered," a solo alto line building with bass, then drums popping and swinging on snare as Malaby decides to go for it as well. Ehrlich's most memorable writing is heard on "The Cry Of," as churning hand drums with ostinato bass in measures of repeated five's and four's extend an invitation to Ehrlich's flute and Malaby's tenor in a mysterious Middle Eastern feel, a rather calmed swirling dervish. The familiar but modified "Willy Whippoorwill" tacks on "Steals a Bow," merging from visceral funk to free bridge squawking, a 6/8 counterpoint section, 4/4 unison, and a reggae feel. Ehrlich continues to assert himself as a premier purveyor of current-day jazz, and this is another clear example of his high status in this modern age. Recommended. Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist :
1.    Rhymes    8:40
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
2.    The Cry Of    9:48
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
3.    Malinke's Dance    8:16
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
4.    Line On Love    7:38
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
5.    Pigskin  6:47
Written-By – Julius Hemphill
6.    Tears Of Rage 8:09
Written-By – Bob Dylan, Richard Manuel
7.    North Star    4:17
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
8.    Bright Remembered    9:16
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
9.    Willy Whippoorwill Steals A Bow    5:52
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute, Producer – Marty Ehrlich
Bass Guitar [Acoustic] – Jerome Harris
Drums – Bobby Previte
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Tony Malaby

MARTY EHRLICH — Song (2001) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Long considered one of the finest and most distinctive soloists in progressive jazz, multi-woodwind expert Marty Ehrlich melds charm and eloquence with hard-edged inflections on this 2001 release. Supported by a notable rhythm section, Ehrlich's compositional wares come to the forefront on these often endearing and sometimes rambunctious arrangements. Trombonist extraordinaire Ray Anderson performs on the bluesy and often boisterous piece titled "Blue Boye's Blues," as the band also minces delicately performed interludes with power-packed choruses. Many of these works feature the quartet's fiery swing vamps and climactically engineered undercurrents, especially when pianist Uri Caine peppers the groove with well-placed block chords. The musicians also engage in mid-tempo bop-ish swing vamps, where Ehrlich and Caine expound upon sublime themes via soul-searching lines. When viewed upon as a whole, this effort leans a bit toward a mainstream-type approach. However, those familiar with the artist's impressive and altogether multifaceted body of work should welcome this outing with open arms. Recommended. Glenn Astarita
Tracklist :
1.    Waltz    5:00
Composed By – Robin Holcomb
2.    The Price Of The Ticket    9:54
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
3.    Day Of The Dark Bright Light    5:24
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
4.    Blue Boye's Blues    8:16
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
5.    I Pity The Poor Immigrant    5:57
Composed By – Bob Dylan
6.    Fauve    10:20
Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
7.    The Falling Rains Of Life    5:15
Composed By – Jaki Byard
Credits :
Alto Saxophone [Alto Sax], Soprano Saxophone [Soprano Sax], Bass Clarinet, Producer [Produced By] – Marty Ehrlich
Bass – Michael Formanek
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Uri Caine
Trombone, Guest [Special] – Ray Anderson (tracks: 4) 

MARTY EHRLICH — Line On Love (2003) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Marty Ehrlich has long been one of the most versatile horn players in the avant-garde and post-bop jazz world. On this set, Ehrlich mostly sticks to alto sax other than a few pieces on bass clarinet. None of his eight originals are destined to become standards for they lack memorable melodies, but they are effective at setting moods and challenging the players. The interplay between Ehrlich and pianist Craig Taborn is consistently impressive, and both bassist Michael Formanek and drummer Billy Drummond constantly react to Taborn's ideas. The music is complex, but due to the close communication between the players the results are fairly accessible and often stimulating. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    Hymn    7:34
2.    Like I Said    5:52
3.    Line On Love    8:00
4.    Julian's Theme    6:48
5.    Turn Circle And Spin    6:45
6.    Solace    8:37
7.    St Louis Summer    3:53
8.    The Git Go    5:27
Credits :
Alto Saxophone [Alto Sax], Bass Clarinet, Composed By [All Compositions By] – Marty Ehrlich
Bass – Michael Formanek
Calligraphy [Brush Illustration] – Barbara Bash
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Craig Taborn

MARTY EHRLICH — News On The Rail (2005) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Critically acclaimed as both composer and player. Equally fluent on clarinet, saxophone, and flutes, Marty Ehrlich has been hailed as "one of the most formidable multi- instrumentalists since Eric Dolphy." With News On The Rail Ehrlich puts his sextet into motion with broadened musical expressions on eight new tracks. The music is cool, hot, emotional, creative, and personal and comes across as being played by a much larger ensemble than credited. "Enough Enough," the first song on the CD, is introduced by dynamic horn charts that announce the exemplary alto sax soloing and improvisations that Ehrlich plans to unleash. The chord changes, comping rhythms are fearless as is Ehrlich's technical acuity. On "Hear You Say," at the head, a palette of horn voices are underlined by the earthier groove orientation of Howard Johnson's tuba. Ehrlich's alto sax solo, James Zollar's trumpet talk and electronic textures from James Weidman's melodia makes this song one of the funkiest tunes on the set. "News On The Rail," opens with a bass solo by Greg Cohen. Ehrlich, who is playing clarinet continues on his eclectic approach with tuba and melodia comps under his free-wheeling riffs. This song is loaded with doses of unconventional sounds and unique instrumental pairings. "Seeker's Delight" features the energy, control and extraordinary musicality of this ensemble. The soloing is adept and entertaining. Again, Marty Ehrlich scores major points for originality, creative jazz voicings, and for music that urges you to get jazzed. Overall, News On The Rail is well worth the listen and features the perfect balance of masterful players. Paula Edelstein
Tracklist :
1.    Enough Enough    5:44
2.    Hear You Say    7:02
3.    Light In The Morning (Many Thousand Gone)    9:59
4.    News On The Rail    5:21
5.    Dance No. 2    5:58
6.    Erica    4:21
7.    Seeker's Delight    8:18
8.    Keeper Of The Flame (In Memory Of Sam Furnace)    7:10
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Marty Ehrlich
Double Bass – Greg Cohen
Drums – Allison Miller
Painting [Cover] – Susan Bee 
Piano, Melodica – James Weidman
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – James Zollar
Tuba, Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet – Howard Johnson 

MARTY EHRLICH & MYRA MELFORD — Spark! (2007) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

As jazz is an instrumental medium, it's a challenge for its players to make sociopolitical statements with its music without the benefit of liner notes to give the work context. Once the listener understands some of the ideas that inspired this creative and lyrical duo's powerfully emotional project, its passionate and percussive tracks take on a deeper meaning. That doesn't mean one can't enjoy multi-movement pieces like the opening "Hymn" -- which features Myra Melford's bluesy piano touch and some of Marty Ehrlich's most urgent and emotional alto work here -- without a scorecard. It's just that when you know that the following two songs, the thoughtful and hauntingly reflective "A Generation Comes and Another Goes" and the crafty, percussive "I See a Horizon," were inspired by the poetry of Muhammad Mahdi al-Jawahiri, a deeper meaning emerges. The duo explains that al-Jawahiri was a poet who spoke eloquently on a previous war in Iraq in the 1940s, and that they're offered here as prayers for peace and joy in Iraq and throughout the world, "wherever the sanctity of life is violated." That's heavy stuff, but it's actually hopeful in the hands of Ehrlich, whose vibrant, wistful clarinet musings counter Melford's darker piano runs. The duo also takes on more personal issues, offering a heartfelt New Orleans-inspired impressionism ("For Leroy") to pay homage to the late free jazz violinist Leroy Jenkins, a former collaborator of both. Those wondering where the Spark! is amidst the prayers and hymns will have their ears perking on the crazy-making avant-garde piece "Up Do," Robin Holcomb's strange composition that Ehrlich and Melford use as an encore when they play live. The light and engaging clarinet-piano tune "Blue Delhi" was inspired by Melford's travels to India, and it's clear that she had a rollicking good time there. The set closes with a simpler arrangement of the opening track, "Hymn," that is ultimately more emotionally effective than the first. This is a mixed bag, with some solid melodic and improvisational moments amidst the free jazz oddities. But the one thing it doesn't lack is creative Spark!  Jonathan Widran

Tracklist :
1.    Hymn  6:23
Composed By – Ehrlich
2.    A Generation Comes And Another Goes  6:06
Composed By – Melford
3.    I See A Horizon 5:59
Composed By – Melford
4.    For Leroy   7:33
Composed By – Ehrlich
5.    Up Do  3:25
Composed By – Holcomb
6.    Night  7:26
Composed By – Melford
7.    Blue Delhi  4:08
Composed By – Ehrlich
8.    Images Of Time  4:27
Composed By – Hill
9.    Hymn  5:24
Composed By – Ehrlich
Credits :
Alto Saxophone [Alto Sax], Clarinet – Marty Ehrlich
Piano – Myra Melford

MARTY EHRLICH RITES QUARTET — Things Have Got To Change (2009) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Marty Ehrlich's genius lies within an ability to reinvent his music while retaining his unique voice on the alto saxophone. A vocal quality, the slight human cry of his tone, and the angular but not obtuse lines of his melodies have made Ehrlich a true original, and for his followers, immediately recognizable. While Ehrlich refuses to stand pat in the size or depth of his ensembles, the four-piece setting has been a constant over the years, but in specific terms of favorite players, the Rites Quartet may be the finest he has ever assembled. Longtime drummer Pheeroan AkLaff joins cellist (not bassist) Erik Friedlander and trumpeter James Zollar to play new music that is consistently scintillating. Zollar's pithy, lithe, but sinewy lines work so well with Ehrlich's sound, while rhythmically and harmonically, Friedlander cannot be eclipsed by anyone on the cello. The resultant progressive jazz within and out of the jazz tradition, should keep listeners on their toes through this grand experience of creating absorbing, truly new music. The rich harmonies and spiky accents always associated with Ehrlich's music are extant from the opener "Rites Rhythms," with groove cello from Friedlander and a solid trumpet solo by Zollar. Ornette Coleman's tandem lyricism is referenced in "Dung," not standardized, but expounded upon in a bop notion, while Friedlander's cello takes center stage during the romantic reverence of "Some Kind of Prayer" and the bouncy, jig-flavored waltz "On the One," where Ehrlich's lyrical, tangent-busting alto departs into the stratosphere. But there is much more on the second half of the date, as the quartet ups the ante further for the somber undertones and wonderfully quirky bop funk of "Slices of Light," very reminiscent of AkLaff and Ehrlich's past groundbreaking work with guitarist Michael Gregory Jackson. The juxtaposed blues bop of "Song for Tomorrow," and dark, diffuse, stark, hauntingly resonant, free "From Strength to Strength" are preludes for a mighty version of Julius Hemphill's "Dogon A.D.," a definitive hip and funky creative crossover in 11/8 time. There's little more to describe or critique about this masterful progressive jazz made by some of the best players in the business, all at the top of their game, making some of the most remarkable music of their careers from start to finish. Where certain political and social areas in the world must change, we should all be appreciative that Ehrlich stays the course. This is a must-have item, and without question, one of the very best jazz recordings of 2009. Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist :
1.    Rites Rhythms    7:55
2.    Dung    7:36
3.    Some Kind Of Prayer    11:07
4.    On The One    3:40
5.    Slices Of Light    2:48
6.    Song For Tomorrow    7:06
7.    From Strength To Strength    3:55
8.    Dogon A.D.  10:26
Composed By – Julius Hemphill
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Liner Notes, Producer – Marty Ehrlich
Cello – Erik Friedlander
Drums, Percussion – Pheeroan akLaff
Trumpet – James Zollar

MARTY EHRLICH — Fables (2010) Serie Radical Jewish Culture – 155 | Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Marty Ehrlich is one of jazz's most acclaimed contemporary multi-instrumentalists. Hankus Netsky is a renown Jewish klezmer and scholar, and founder of the Klezmer Conservatory Band. Friends for decades, these two master musicians join forces for the first time in a fabulous program of original music that meets in the nexus of Jazz and the Jewish tradition. Exciting, touching and soulful, Fables is a real tour de force. One of jazz's greatest voices on the saxophone and one of the world's greatest experts on Jewish Music in a unique and exciting duo project! Tzadik
Tracklist :
1.    Scroll No. 1    5:15
2.    The Thimble And The Thread  3:24
Tuba – Marcus Rojas
3.    Es Felt  6:13
Bass Guitar [Acoustic] – Jerome Harris
4.    Wednesday's Waltz    4:06
5.    Rozo D'Shabbos    5:25
6.    Scroll No. 2    4:30
7.    The Mirror Waltz    3:32
8.    The Lion's Tanz  3:36
Tuba – Marcus Rojas
9.    I'm Growing Into My Hat    3:35
10.    Scroll No. 3  5:22
Tuba – Marcus Rojas
Credits :
Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Flute, Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Marty Ehrlich
Piano, Accordion – Hankus Netsky

MARTY EHRLICH'S RITES QUARTET — Frog Leg Logic (2011) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1.    Frog Leg Logic    5:22
2.    Ballade    10:54
3.    You Can Beat The Slanted Cards    6:20
4.    Walk Along The Way    6:55
5.    Solace    8:24
6.    My Song    6:16
7.    The Gravedigger's Respite    6:47
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute, Producer, Composed By – Marty Ehrlich
Cello – Hank Roberts
Drums – Michael Sarin
Trumpet – James Zollar

MARTY EHRLICH LARGE ENSEMBLE — A Trumpet In The Morning (2013) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1.    Prelude: Agbekor Translations  3:29
Trombone, Soloist – Michael Dessen
2.    A Trumpet In The Morning  23:21
Lyrics By [Poem By] – Arthur Brown 
Saxophone, Soloist, Read By [Reader] – J.D. Parran
3.    Blues For Peace  11:07
Soloist – Jason Robinson, Jerome Harris, Matt Wilson, Ray Anderson, Uri Caine
Rundowns And Turnbacks    20:22
4.1    I. The Ship On The Corner
4.2    II. Rundowns
Soloist – Curtis Fowlkes, James Zollar, Jerome Harris, Ray Anderson
4.3    III. The Graceful Waltz
Soloist – Jerome Harris, John Clark 
4.4    IV. "Didn't Know The Levees Would Break" Blues
Soloist – Andy Laster, E.J. Allen, Eric McPherson, Michael Dessen
4.5    V. Quaker Work Song
Soloist – Robert DeBellis, James Weidman
4.6    VI. Sugar For Sugar
Soloist – Adam Kolker, Lisa Parrott
4.7    VII. Turnbacks
5.    M Variations (Melody For Madeleine)  14:02
Soloist – Adam Kolker, Drew Gress, Ron Horton, Uri Caine
6.    Postlude: Agbekor Translations  2:47
Soloist – E.J. Allen, Howard Johnson 
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Andy Laster
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet – Robert DeBellis
Artwork [Cover Art] – Oliver L. Jackson
Baritone Saxophone – Howard Johnson (tracks: 1, 2, 6)
Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet – Lisa Parrott (tracks: 3 to 5)
Bass – Brad Jones (tracks: 1, 2, 4.1 to 4.7, 6), Drew Gress (tracks: 3 to 5)
Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Marty Ehrlich (tracks: 4.1 to 4.7)
Composed By, Conductor – Marty Ehrlich
Drums – Eric McPherson (tracks: 1, 2, 4.1 to 4.7, 6), Matt Wilson (tracks: 3 to 5)
Ensemble – Marty Ehrlich Large Ensemble
French Horn – John Clark (tracks: 3 to 5)
Guitar, Slide Guitar – Jerome Harris (tracks: 4.1 to 5)
Narrator, Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – J.D. Parran (tracks: 1, 2, 6)
Piano – James Weidman (tracks: 1, 2, 4.1 to 4.7, 6), Uri Caine (tracks: 3 to 5)
Tenor Saxophone – Jason Robinson (tracks: 1 to 3, 5, 6)
Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Adam Kolker (tracks: 3 to 5)
Trombone – Curtis Fowlkes (tracks: 3 to 5), Michael Dessen, Ray Anderson
Trumpet – E.J. Allen, James Zollar, Miki Hirose (tracks: 5), Ron Horton
Tuba – Joseph Daley (tracks: 1, 2, 6)
Vibraphone, Percussion – Warren Smith (tracks: 1, 2, 5)