The Edge

Classic and familiar, yet, new and fresh, the Greg Merritt Jazz Quartet makes their presence known in the jazz world with their debut album New York Sexy. The quartet consists of headman and guitarist Greg Merritt, keyboardist, Mike Eckroth, bassist Yoshi Waki, and drummer Brian Fishler. The four men, all accomplished and experienced musicians, pay tribute to Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck and other jazz greats. They not only show their off skills playing famous songs loved by generations, but demonstrate their talents as song writers with half the album consisting of original works. The opening track Jakubu Jam, transports the listener’s mind to a 1970’s detective show. The listener can easily imagine Jim Rockford (from the show Rockford Files) carefully tailing a suspect while in tune with Merritt’s slow, but steady guitar playing and Waki’s suspenseful sounding bass. The third song, Cats and Dog, gives off an overall relaxing vibe with session musician Tommy Mattioli’s vibraphone acting as the cherry on top of a de-stressed sundae. Song seven, Barcelona, offers a vision of the hustle and bustle in this Spanish city during a summer evening. Eckroth plays his piano quickly with a soft touch along with Merritt’s fast pace plucking of his guitar strings. The song 4 5 6 follows, beginning with a distortedly spooky arrangement of sudden piano keys, abrupt drum beats, and a swiftly played bass. The song then later on starts to quicken in pace, yet still continues as a blender of sound, making it the most bizarre and unique piece on the album. Cab On The Fdr, like the song before it, has a hectic vibe that will leave the listener scratching their head in wonder. The influence for this song may have been a cab ride from hell one of the band members experienced while in New York. Fast and frightening, this song may act as the perfect soundtrack for someone being driven by a mad man. In the end, Greg Merritt Jazz Quartet can be thought as a meal you never tried before. There are some familiar tastes, yet, there is a brand new flavor you cannot get enough of. New York Sexy, will cause any jazz lover with sense rubbing their hands in anticipation for another album.   -Jonathan