...extraordinary talent...a wonderful accompanist and soloist.
Los Angeles-based pianist/composer/arranger Michael Orenstein comes to his debut recording with a stout jazz education pedigree and ten years of topflight performance experiences, all shining through on this robust set of 8 originals and intricate arrangements of "Giant Steps" and a Herbie Hancock tribute. Much like two major influences, Hancock and Billy Childs, Orenstein's arrangements are surprising and dynamic with an expansive sound palette, challenging any limitations of the jazz quartet. Orenstein's Aperture focuses light on a prodigious young talent with a doubtlessly promising future.
"...one of the most talented and creative young musicians I have ever heard."
Dan Wall
Track Listing:
1. Opposite World 4:53
2. Not Today 5:59
3. Slow Coffee 7:20
4. Giant Steps 4:40
5. Sharing The Mirror 7:50
6. Eye of the One Fingered Sorcerer (For Herbie Hancock) 6:41 (Medley: Eye of the Hurricane / The Sorcerer)
7. 21 Rabid Realtors 7:06
8. Ode To Manuel 5:13
9. Reminder 4:20
10. To Come Full Triangle 5:13
All compositions & arrangements by Michael Orenstein (BMI), except:
(4) by John Coltrane (JOWCOL Music)
(6) by Herbie Hancock
Performers:
Michael Orenstein - piano
Logan Kane - bass
Myles Martin - drums
Barclay Moffitt - tenor sax (2,6,7,10)
Nicole McCabe - alto sax (2,6)
Sean Harrison - alto sax (5,10), soprano sax (7)
Chase Jackson - vibes (2,6,7,10)
Sam Klein-Markman - guitar (1,7,10)
Production Info:
Recorded & mixed by Talley Sherwood
at Tritone Recording, Glendale, CA
Recorded on July 16 & 19, 2021
Mastered by Maximilian Sink, Los Angeles
Artist Photo by Ron Jones
Cover design & layout by John Bishop
Reviews of Aperture
Something Else! (S Victor Aaron)
The untold positive story in jazz today is that there are still so many young men and women who are incredibly talented jazz musicians and willing to keep this genre alive, and for no other reason than being passionate about this music. One of these who has only in the last few years who has entered the scene is pianist and composer Michael Orenste ...
Midwest Record (Chris Spector)
An LA based jazz piano cat t hat's paid his dues while being influenced by Herbie Hancock seems to have waited until just the right time to deliver his auspicious debut. Kind of smooth jazz with bite, this is top shelf sitting down jazz that moves and grooves with fine style and chops. Classy throughout, this is the tour de force you are always ...
All About Jazz (Jack Bowers)
California-based pianist Michael Orenstein's debut album, Aperture, consists almost entirely of his original compositions, performed by a core trio of Orenstein; bassist Logan Kane and drummer Myles Martin with guest artists on half of the studio session's ten numbers. Even though those visitors make a strong impact, it is Orenstein's eloquent voic ...
Jazz Weekly (George W Harris)
Pianist and composer Michael Orenstein brings together his core trio of Logan Kane/b and Myles Martin/dr in a mix and match collection with Barclay Moffitt/ts, Nicole McCabe/as, Sean Harrison/as-ss, Chase Jackson/vibe and Sam Klein-Markman/g through a collection of mostly originals. In the trio formant, Orenstein probs like an EENT on the rapid rom ...
Take Effect (Tom Haugen)
The Los Angeles pianist and composer/arranger Michael Orenstein makes quite an impression with this debut recording, where Logan Kane plays bass, Myles Martin handles drums and several esteemed guests contribute their inimitable skills.
"Opposite World" starts the listen with the meticulous keys and warm bass, as Sam Klein-Markman's glowing gui ...
JazzTimes (2022 Top Track Contest)
Grand Prize: Michael Orenstein / Title: "Ode to Manuel"
"Ode To Manuel" is Orenstein's tribute to one of his favorite pianists, Manuel Valera. It was written when Orenstein was still in his undergrad at Oberlin Conservatory, and after playing it for years, Orenstein recorded it for his debut album, Aperture (Origin Records 2022). The listener will ...
