New Review on my Debut Album "Short Notice"

Goldmine Magazine by Mike Greenblatt

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“Miami saxophonist Manny Echazabal swings solidly in the post-bop tradition on his self-released all-original “Short Notice” debut… You can hear elements of Wayne Shorter in Manny’s breathy blowing. Composition-wise, he’s obviously listened to a lot of Herbie Hancock…“Unknown Identity” is the kind of CD highlight that makes one want to play the whole thing over again.”

 

FULL REVIEW:

“Miami saxophonist Manny Echazabal swings solidly in the post-bop tradition on his self-released all-original “Short Notice” debut. His quartet is sterling:

pianist Tal Cohen is a star in his native Australia. New York bassist Dion Kerr is an adventurous soul of the Ron Carter variety. Drummer David Chiverton has

put in time touring internationally with pop stars Lauren Hill and Jon Secada. You can hear elements of Wayne Shorter in Manny’s breathy blowing. Composition-wise, he’s obviously listened to a lot of Herbie Hancock. Mentored by Terence Blanchard, “Short Notice” was named after an assignment

once given him by the New Orleans trumpeter/educator which he only had one hour to complete. Highlights abound. “The Green Monk” goes through some surprising changes. Just when you think it’s one thing, it turns out to be another. “New Dawn” goes through three distinct changes. The 7:16 opener

“Time Out” sets the bar high and the closing 8:23 “Unknown Identity” is the kind of CD highlight that makes one want to play the whole thing over again.”

New Review on my Debut Album "Short Notice"

Label/Year: Self-produced, 2017

Lineup – Manny Echazabal: saxophone; Tal Cohen: piano; Dion Kerr: bass; David Chiverton: drums.

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Short Notice, the auspicious debut CD by Miami-born saxophonist Manny Echazabal, is a fun post-bop ride that reveals compositional ingeniousness and an adventurous side that draws from Wayne Shorter and Michael Brecker, but still brandishing a valid signature of its own.

Echazabal doesn’t refrain from exteriorizing emotions throughout the nine original tracks that compose this album, recorded in the good company of pianist Tal Cohen, bassist Dion Kerr, and drummer David Chiverton.

Time Out” sets the tone, starting in an invigorating post-bop fashion and emanating elegant remarks, whether from the bandleader or the pianist, on top of warm harmonic movements.

The title track, a straight-ahead, hard-swinging modal piece, is as much responsive as it is playful, becoming immediately a highlight on the album due to its outgoing nature and mighty charisma. By blowing the saxophone with muscular authority, the saxophonist stimulates his peers, who respond with regard and excitement.

When it comes to finding space to breathe, “Abraham’s Warrior” is a notable example of textural finesse. In truth, this is a piano-less waltz showcasing Kerr’s bass pedals, Chiverton’s supple brushwork with an emphasis on the snare drums, and Echazabal’s attractive timbre variations, which derives naturally from the fluency of his language.

The Green Monk”, the first tune ever written by Echazabal, is highly symptomatic in its rhythmic accentuations and melodic drive, presenting well-oiled hinges that turn the mechanism flexible and operational. Cohen’s forward comping has much to admire, not only on this remarkable piece but also on “New Dawn”, a three-part composition painted with distinct techniques and evincing particular tempers. The pianist excels in his solo moment within the last part (reprise), stepping further afterward, when the tune fences an endearing groove. Then, the bandleader wraps it up, attaching passion and discernment to his melodic initiatives.

Short Notice is impressive and becomes even more admirable when we think of it as a debut album. Even if some tunes had their origin in an academic environment (with a little stimulus and push from educators such as Terence Blanchard and Shelly Berg), their level is far from scholastic, rather proclaiming an elevated maturity and care for the sound.

 

       Grade A-

Radio Show at WDNA

Hey everyone, we had a great show at WDNA yesterday. Thanks for everyone who listened and came out to the show. Here is a link to the radio show in case you missed it! Happy Friday everyone! Here is the link to the show if you would like to check it out!

https://livestream.com/accounts/14242321/events/7669758/videos/162127582?t=1504200071615

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New Review on my Debut Album "Short Notice"

“Echazabal is impressive with his composition skills…smart, lyrical and inspire improvisation by his talented band members... an artist to keep an eye on and an ear out for.”

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https://musicalmemoirs.wordpress.com/

FULL REVIEW:
“Manny Echazabal is a young composer and reedman who has written everything on this CD. His compositions are smart, lyrical and inspire improvisation by his talented band members. There’s something pensive and sexy about tunes like, “Out of Sight Out of Mind.”

The title tune races swiftly into the room with the rolling drums of David Chiverton pushing the energy ahead like a bowling ball. When Tal Cohen joins the scene on piano, the pins fall. He strikes with 2-handed ferocity.

I enjoyed “The Green Monk”, a tune with shades of Thelonius peeking through the unforgettable melody. Echazabal is impressive with his composition skills.

Inspired by Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter and Kenny Dorham, Echezabal is a native of Miami and has been developing his style and approach as an aspiring jazz musician since middle school. In high school, he joined the band, where he expanded his talents to playing tenor saxophone, flute and clarinet. Respected as both a composer and bandleader, two of his compositions have already won Downbeat’s award for Outstanding Small Group Performance. (i.e. “Unknown Identity” and Spt”). This is an artist to keep an eye on and an ear out. September 17th is the expected release date on Amazon, iTunes and CD Baby.”

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Unlimited Miami Music Video

Happy to share this great music with you guys. This is a new tune of mine called Monking Around. Enjoy and check out more Unlimited Miami Music videos if you like this one!

Unlimited Miami Music Video

Happy to be apart of this week's Unlimited Miami Music series. Check in later this week, I'll be posting a new composition of mine from the session. Such a pleasure to play with these amazing musicians! You could check out the series on this link, come and support good music! 

https://www.facebook.com/unlimitedmiamimusic/

 

 

Latest Album Preview

I'm very happy to share a new snippet for my upcoming album. I wanted to take this time to start introducing different members of the band, this is Tal Cohen soloing on a tune of mine called Time Out. A huge thanks to David Chiverton, Tal Cohen, and Dion Keith Kerr IV for being part of this very special project. Another huge thanks to Alex Weitz for putting the video together!
I hope you enjoy the video, please help me like and share the news of this upcoming album!

Latest Album Preview

I'm very happy to share a new snippet for my upcoming album. This is the intro to one of my compositions called "New Dawn,"it was a great experience working on this intro with one of my favorite musicians and closest friend Tal Cohen. I hope enjoy the more sensitive side of this album, a huge thanks to David ChivertonTal Cohen, and Dion Keith Kerr IV for being part of this very special project. Another huge thanks to Alex Weitz for putting the video together! 

I hope you enjoy the video, please help me like and share the news of this upcoming album!

Album Preview

Hey guys, I'm really happy to show you a sneak preview of my upcoming album! Here is my solo on a tune of mine called "Short Notice." This is featuring Dion Keith Kerr IV on Bass, Tal Cohen on Piano, and David Chiverton on Drums. 

Huge thanks to Alex Weitz for putting the video all together! 

I hope you enjoy the track, please help me share the news of this upcoming album!