Ethan Mann Quartet
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Ethan Mann Quartet

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Music

The best kept secret in music

Press


"Featured Artist: Ethan Mann"

CD Title: Central Park North
Year: 2000
Record Label: Petunia Records
Style: Straight-Ahead Jazz
Musicians: Ethan Mann (guitar), with Bill Moring (bass), Rahn Burton (organ), Scott Neumann (drums).
Review: Yes, folks…ANOTHER guitar player - but have no fear, Ethan Mann is ok here. The title of the record sets the stage for a Manhattan-feel set, and Mann doesn't disappoint. His tone is warm and sultry like a New York mid-summer/early fall night, and you can really get wrapped up in it like a blanket.
Stylistically around the Jim Hall/Wes ballpark, Mann's approach is bluesy at times, more often he is reminiscent of Grant Green, and his lines are melodic, weaving in and out of the somewhat basic vamps provided by organist Rahn Burton, or the lobbing bass lines courtesy of Bill Mohring. Some of the tunes featuring organ on this record remind me a bit of the Montgomery Brothers trio recordings, both in style and mood.
Some standout tunes on this record where Mann shines stretch are "Study Of Mann", "Reminisce", and even the Mingus fave "Goodbye Porkpie Hat". "Blues For Jimmy Armstrong" is a cool 1-4-5 swinger where Mann gets to really stretch, and you will hear a lot of the legends in him : Ellis, Kessel, Pass and Wes are very strong flavors here, but Mann is by no means copping lines. His tone stays true to the darker, drier sounds of yesterday, while utilizing a lot of melodic flexibility of today.
If you want a cool, mellow, straight-up jazz guitar CD, Mann delivers it - and he stays true to that NYC overtone which has defined so many performing legends before him.
Reviewed by: Fred Gerantab
- JazzReview.com


"Luther Thomas Quartet"

By Florence Wetzel

Leave it to Luther
CIMP
2004

The quartet, which includes Ethan Mann on guitar, Smith on bass and Clifford Barbaro on drums, is capable of many moods. Their renditions of “Body and Soul,” “Groovin' High” and “'Round Midnight” are completely contemporary while staying true to the original spirit of the songs. “Body and Soul” is a nice duo between Thomas and Mann; The leader is an inspired lyrical player, sweet and melodic, yet he readily catches fire in his solos. “'Round Midnight” is also notable, with Thomas capturing the song's poignancy and Mann adding delicate shades of color throughout.

Of the original compositions, “Belona” is particularly winning. The melody is lighthearted and swinging and Thomas' playing fresh and joyful. Again Mann deserves mention; his guitar is sonorous and vibrant and he clearly enjoys his interplay with Thomas. Another great cut is “Up South,” a high energy tune with a bluesy feel. Then there's “Leave it to Luther,” where Thomas lets loose with furious, explosive lines. The CD's method of blending something old with something new generates positive heat, with Thomas' impassioned blowing and sense of adventure propelling the music forward. - Jazziz


"Jazz Improv"

Central Park North


..."a sensitive and sophisticated palette of compositional and playing skills (...) He showcases his deep well of technique, but also unselfishly lets his sidemen contribute to the total musical output (...) a refreshing offering from a standout young guitarist and composer." - By Ernie Pugliese


Discography

Ethan Mann- Central Park North
JaRon Eames- Sounds Good to Me
Luther Thomas- Leave it to Luther
MSM Jazz Orchestra- The Composers Then and Now

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

Ethan began playing guitar at the age of eleven. He was soon drawn to the sounds of Big Bill Broonzy, Otis Redding, Jimi Hendrix, John Coltrane, Wes Montgomery Thelonious Monk, and Weather Report. As a young man he played in r&b bands in Massachusetts and Connecticut and eventually supported himself in that manner. He moved to New York in 1991, where he was soon immersed in the bebop and modern jazz sounds of the city. Ethan won a scholarship at Manhattan School of Music, where he studied guitar with Rodney Jones and Jack Wilkins. Mann was chosen to play in master class with Wynton Marsalis and Jim Hall. He was a member of the MSM Jazz Orchestra which performed concerts with guest artists such as Milt Hinton, and Maria Schneider. During Ethan�s time in the orchestra, they recorded a CD called, "The Composers Then and Now". The CD was reviewed by Ira Gitler who said, "Guitarist Ethan Mann is laid back and then Raney-ly intense". At MSM, Mann explored the future and legacy of jazz with a great faculty, and an extremely talented student body, which included Jason Moran and Myron Walden.

After graduating from MSM in 1995, Mann quickly established his reputation as both a sideman, and a band leader on the New York scene. He�s played at Birdland, The 55 Bar, Iridium, Zinc bar, Detour, and Columbia University. In 2003 Ethan was featured at a faculty concert at Manna House Workshops, where he presented nine of his compositions with the help of Myron Waldon- alto sax, Chris Berger- bass, and Scott Neumann- drums. Out of town gigs include the Montreal Jazz Festival , The Hot Club Of Portugal. and, Jazz Cafe, in Rome. Mann recently completed a tour of Japan with singer Mari Watanabe. They were well received in jazz clubs and concerts in Tokyo, Kobe, Ashiya and Kyoto.

"Central Park North" is the title of Ethan's debut recording as a leader. He is joined by Rahn Burton- organ, Bill Moring- bass and Scott Neumann- drums. The disc contains seven original compositions, and two standards. Ernie Pugliese reviewed the CD for Jazz Improv Magazine and wrote; " Central Park North is a refreshing offering from a standout young guitarist and composer". Florence Wetzel of All About Jazz wrote of Ethan�s work as a sideman on "Leave It To Luther" by the Luther Thomas Quartet; �...Mann deserves mention, his guitar is sonorous and vibrant...�
Ethan maintains a busy performance schedule and teaches guitar at Crestwood Music Education Center and Manna House Workshops. In March 2005 he will present new compositions at a Crestwood faculty concert. He remains eager to share his passion for music with anyone who cares to listen.