E.S.P.

"Without hesitation, ESP is the Best Contemporary Jazz Group to emerge from Upstate New York since Spyro Gyra exploded on the National scene three decades ago. These guys are the real deal!"
- Frank Malfitano
founder & producer, Syracuse Jazz Fest
past producer, Detroit International Jazz Festival - Frank Malfitano, M&T Jazz Fest Syracuse

E.S.P. 2009 release called "Time's Up!" was awarded the SAMMY award on Oct. 8, 2010 for Best Jazz CD. - Syracuse New Times

A bright new star is shining on the horizon of the Central New York scene. And with the release of their self-titled debut disc, ESP is about to provide its own unique brand of illumination to the jazz community.

Equally at home on the outdoor stage of Oswego Harborfest and the mellow confines of the dinner hour at the Overlook Restaurant in Little Falls, ESP have quietly been making a name for themselves with a series of virtuoso appearances throughout Central New York. Although they count Pat Metheny, the Yellowjackets and Wes Montgomery among their influences, ESP play a style of jazz that is, in a word, original. "We play a little straight-ahead, contemporary, and Latin stuff, and our own stuff is a combination of everything." Vacanti noted. "We don't care if we fit into a pigeon-hole or not."

Magnante's brilliant guitar work and writing style are both evident throughout the album on songs such as "Black and Blue Bossa," "Song For Patti," and "Tongue and Cheek," while Vacanti's "Eclipse" and "Lakefront" are also standout tracks on the disc. - by Len Senecal, THE EDGE

You don't need ESP to appreciate the quartet's cool sounds. Matthew Vacanti thinks there should be a new category in the Syracuse Area Music Awards; "Really good guitar player you've never heard of. I'd vote for John Magnante." Vacanti told the crowd at Georgia Seferis Stage at Hanover Square during the M&T Syracuse Jazz Fest.

Magnante's guitar work won't leave him unheard of for long. He's in turn smooth and elegant and quick and complex.

And with the bass play-electric and acoustic upright- of Vacanti, the keyboards of Rimehaur and the drumming of Palumbo, the band ESP shoudn't be Syracuse's little contemporary jazz secret either.

ESP is talented and versatile.

They mixed standards and originals to fill the square witn very cool jazz.

Magnante, Rimehaug and Vacanti brign significant songwriting talents to the ensemble too. - by Mark Bialczak, THE POST STANDARD

Since the name derives from extra sensory perception, don't be surprised that Syracuse based quartet ESP can predict the future of Jazz. The familiar foursome - guitarist John Magnante, bassist Matt Vacanti, keyboardist Stein Rimehaug and drummer Steve Palumbo- keep their collective feet firmly planted in the roots of jazz while reaching for the new sounds.

When they play out, ESP entertains audiences with a wide variety of instrunmental jazz from Pat Metheny's "Phase Dance" to Charlie Parker's "Scrapple from the Apple."This all-instrumental disc, howver is an outlet for the band members' own original material, with nine tracks of straight-ahead, smooth contemporary jazz punched up with touches of Latin and funk. - by Russ Tarby, SYRACUSE NEW TIMES

"Time’s Up is a fine piece of work that both contemporary fans and jazz purists can easily enjoy."

e.s.p. -- Time's Up!

While this is not an exclusively contemporary offering—at least not from many a smooth jazzer’s perspective, ESP is a group of extremely talented and competent musicians who quite obviously take their jazz seriously —as equally straight-ahead as it is contemporary in spots (actually, I’d say it is predominantly straight-ahead). Time’s Up is a fine piece of work that both contemporary fans and jazz purists can easily enjoy. This project is not really my personal preference, mind you, but that takes nothing at all from the caliber of material set forth here.

The tone, cadence, “swells,” and overall groove of many of these tunes do periodically flirt with contemporary elements, as with tunes like the generously lengthy “La Hija,” a rhythmic, melodic Latin-tinged piece that does brightly bring to light that element. “Copper Room,” with guitarist John Magnante’s stylish work, would be another that nods at the contemporary in a very handsome, controlled way. I also absolutely love Brian Scherer’s sax work on that tune. Coming to mind would also be “Stone Cold,” a real exercise in the art of timing and another testament to contemporary jazz. On the other hand, pieces like the opening track are a purist’s dream come true.

Throughout the album, Scherer’s brilliant scale work on sax and sweet melodic flute, coupled with really tasty string and electric bass lines by Matthew Vacanti, the bright guitar work by Magnante, and soothing keys by special guest Brian Blumenthal, do much to add flair to what can surely be found in the quaint, dimly lit jazz clubs across the country.

The album’s title is obviously a witty effort to speak to the diverse timing found here. “Post Bob Republic” the “walking” straight-ahead offering differs, of course, from the timing on the aforementioned “La Hija,” “Meet Me in Paris,” a smoky slow tempo bluesy little thing, “Merge,” or the previously mentioned “Stone Cold.” Blues fans should enjoy “Be-Bop-Da-Wop,” a bright yet bluesy/jazzy stroll that highlights the sharp skills of Magnante and Scherer.

All in all, this is a refreshing predominantly straight-ahead project with enough contemporary jazz infused to give it a nice shape. Not necessarily a completely balanced shape, but a nice shape nonetheless. The appeal of the marvelous melodies and the styles of the musicians and their obvious connection to the music in an easy, unimposing way speak volumes about the character of both the artists and their music. Classy effort indeed.
Posted by Ronald Jackson at April 6, 2009 5:08 PM
http://www.smoothvibes.com/movabletype/archives/001216.html#more - Ron Jackson

"It has truly been worth the wait for this new ESP album because the band has taken their music to a whole new level this time around. The band does a great job blending innovative concepts and styles and each song forms its own narrative and conveys a rich musical conversation with the listener.”
- Eric Cohen
WAER Jazz88 - Eric Cohen, WAER Jazz 88

Radio
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