Vienna to Hollywood: Impressions of E.W. Korngold & Max Steiner

Hopefully you have already read Peter Eskine's column this month on the making of his new record, so I'll skip the backstory, and just say that this is the best recording that Erskine has done as a leader since 3 Nights in LA. But it this a very different type of record, 3 Nights in LA was a freewheeling blowing date, Vienna to Hollywood is a carefully planned and arranged recording project with Erskine and Danny Grissett writing some great arrangements of E.W. Kongold and Max Steiner music. As I said in Peter's Legend's book, (in my opinion) Peter has never done a bad record because he always gives the music exactly what it needs, and this project is no exception. The choice of harmonica on "Old Spanish Song," is refreshing, the wonderful arrangement choices on "The Boys Go to Play" and "Johnny Belinda" are impeccable. The magnificent drum grooves on "Romance," "Tara's Theme," "Belle Watling," and "Johnny Belinda" are classic Erskine. Danny Grissett's lush arrangement on "Qrt. #2 in Eb," is top notch. And Erskine plays a creative ansd very unique drum solo on "Summer Place!" Lastly, the haunting sound of "Ghost Coda" captures Vienna (and tragically maybe some parts of LA right now,) for a bittersweet ending.