...the three members work in synchronous fashion to weave a series of songs that stand alone, while flowing from one to the next to produce a compelling musical journey.
The Dark marks the debut release of EEA, a newly formed ensemble consisting of saxophonist Peter Epstein, Larry Engstrom on trumpet, and pianist David Ake, three longtime colleagues and collaborators. Whether performing original compositions, collective improvisations, or overlooked gems from the jazz repertoire, The Dark explores the full range of moods and textures afforded by this unusual instrumentation. Epstein, Engstrom, and Ake have performed and recorded alongside many of the world's finest artists in jazz and improvisational music, including Ralph Alessi, Uri Caine, Scott Colley, Ravi Coltrane, Peter Erskine, Charlie Haden, Bobby Previte, and Miroslav Tadic. EEA allows all of their varied experiences to make its way into their music. The result is a rare mix of sounds and approaches honed over decades of creative and diverse music making.
1. The Dark 7:47
2. Keystone 4:45
3. Improvisation 1 2:48
4. African Flower 8:12
5. PalhaƧo 7:27
6. Polar 4:11
7. Improvisation 2 1:40
8. Time Falls (Like Snow) 4:03
9. Improvisation 3 1:41
10. Birthday Boy 4:00
11. Heaven 4:25
EEA is:
PETER EPSTEIN - alto & soprano saxophones
LARRY ENGSTROM - trumpet
DAVID AKE - piano
Produced by EEA
Recorded & mixed byTom Gordon at
Imirage Sound Lab (Sparks, NV)
Recorded on January 19 and 20, 2008
Mastered by Scott Hull at Masterdisk
Cover art by Imo
Photography by Chad McCullough
Cover design by John Bishop
JazzChicago.net (Brad Walseth)
One may not suspect the existence of jazz in a place like Reno, Nevada, but I, for one, was aware that there was a scene present because I had relatives living there and spent time in this beautiful town-- a smaller-Las Vegas, but in a much lovelier location near Lake Tahoe and the Donner Pass into Northern California. My relatives lived in Sparks ...
WRUV Reviews (Dave C)
Debut effort from this trio which includes Peter Epstein(reeds), Larry Engstrom(trp) & David Ake(p). Title could not be more apt for the CD is a spacious, mellow set of music where emphasis is less is more. ...
WRUV Reviews (davec)
Debut effort from this trio which includes Peter Epstein(reeds), Larry Engstrom(trp) & David Ake(p). Title could not be more apt for the CD is a spacious, mellow set of music where emphasis is less is more. ...
All Music Guide (Ken Dryden)
EEA are a trio of jazz faculty members at the University of Nevada, Reno, consisting of saxophonist Peter Epstein, trumpeter Larry Engstrom, and pianist David Ake. The lack of additional rhythm instruments gives the players both plenty of freedom and responsibility, which they handle well. The trio's three group improvisations stand out with potent ...
iTunes (Ken Dryden, Rovi)
EEA are a trio of jazz faculty members at the University of Nevada, Reno, consisting of saxophonist Peter Epstein, trumpeter Larry Engstrom, and pianist David Ake. The lack of additional rhythm instruments gives the players both plenty of freedom and responsibility, which they handle well. The trio's three group improvisations stand out with pote ...
Cadence (David Kane)
Highly original is the fine music to be found on The Dark. EEA is a trio of a slightly unusual configuration: piano, trumpet, and sax. In the hands of these fine musicians, this combination reveals itself to be a most agreeable one indeed. The music consists of a handful of excellent originals penned by pianist Ake together with two lesser heard El ...
Jazz Review (Thomas R. Erdmann)
EEA is constructed of three members from the Program for Improvisational Music at the University of Nevada-Reno. Saxophonist Peter Epstein earned his Bachelor's degree at the California Institute of the Arts and his Master's degree was earned where he currently teaches. During his professional career he has worked with artists like Bobby Previte, ...