Long Ago Reviews
CITY PAGES - August 13, 1997 JAY EPSTEIN CD "Long Ago"
When you're a great drummer putting out your first trio record, you can't do much better than bassist Anthony Cox and pianist Bill Carrothers. But on "Long Ago", Epstein justifies the company with a solid outing that sweats the details. He splashes the cymbals like a couple of legendary Joneses--sometimes wet like Elvin, sometimes deft like Philly Joe--and engages his bandmates with a level of traditional craft and wistful poignancy that echoes the CD's title. The menu is a nice mix of classic standards (like Kern and Gershwin's "Long Ago & Far Away"), smart bop covers (Miles's "Solar" and Wayne Shorter's "Lost"), and creative Epstein originals, particularly "Balloons Over Pain," a brooding tune that features Cox's bow and anchors the superb "Dark Suite" song trilogy in the middle of the disc. Playing Monday, 8 P.M. Dakota Bar & Grill, Bandana Square, St. Paul; 642-1442. (Brit Robson)
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STAR TRIBUNE - Sunday, August 17, 1997 JAY EPSTEIN, "Long Ago" (IGMOD)
Listen up: An all-star trio's passion play
There is a reason drummer Epstein has become one of the most requested players in the Twin Cities. It's the way he gets such melodic expressiveness from the drum set through intricate cymbal combinations, with a high-tuned sound that soars above most other players' vision of the instrument's potential (the influential Paul Motian excluded). Epstein's debut as a leader unites him with two of the other most acclaimed and advanced local players: bassist Anthony Cox and pianist Bill Carrothers, who defy listeners' preconceptions as they further Epstein's vision. Carrothers, heard on two recent Blue Note albums by drummer Bill Stewart (and just relocated to New York), is a very choosy session player. This sometime firebrand is given plenty of room here, but he explores it with a calm, creative touch. Cox, in contrast to his jazz-rock headhunting in local groups such as Starry Eyed Lovelies, gives his partners abundant support and space throughout. Even the track sequencing is inspired, opening with a group of beautiful standards that stretch the ears for a three-piece, subdued middle section, suitably titled "The Dark Suite." The collection closes with a string of tributes to modern giants: Wayne Shorter ("Lost"), Kenny Wheeler ("Heyoke") and Miles Davis ("Solar"), capping off an album that never sacrifices deep passion for raw power. Epstein, Cox and Carrothers perform Monday at the Dakota Bar and Grill in St. Paul. (Jim Meyer)
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CADENCE MAGAZINE - November 1997 JAY EPSTEIN - "Long Ago" (IGMOD)
Jay Epstein leads a most adventurous piano trio session where Carrothers matches the lyrical abandon of Keith Jarrett in a stunning version of Kenny Wheeler's ballad "Heyoke." Epstein's brooding "Balloons Over Pain" shows how freely the trio can improvise; his atmospheric cymbals and Cox's arco join prepared piano in a performance that flows into a disturbing atonal version of "Keep The Home Fires Burning" as skewed harmonies bring to mind Ran Blake, while the final "I'll Be Seeing You," at ultra-slow tempo, conveys haunted intensity that ends in a spiral motif, a delicate moment of psychotic obsession very reminiscent of Blake.
"Long Ago" showcases splendid rapport in the interplay of the title track, spirited contrapuntal exploration of Miles Davis's "Solar" and driving modal romp through Wayne Shorter's "Lost." The uptempo "You And The Night And The Music" showcases Epstein's command of complex rhythmic dynamics as his dazzling cymbal and snare work extends the lineage of Tony Williams and Jack DeJohnette. Cox is typically inventive as he structures compelling solos in "Orion," "Long Ago & Far Away," "Beautuful Love," "Lost," "You & The Night & The Music", and "Solar". Excellent musicianship combines with an imaginative program to make "Long Ago" highly recommended. (David Lewis)
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JAZZTIMES - December 1997 JAY EPSTEIN - "Long Ago" (IGMOD)
Drummer Jay Epstein leads an energetic, sometimes dark and eerie, 12-tune trio session with bassist Anthony Cox and pianist Bill Carrothers. While the threesome draws influences from the famed Keith Jarrett Trio, this is no copy-cat crew. Interacting intelligently and showing individual melody-based sensitivity, they refreshen the straightahead standards and two Epstein originals with seasoned artistry. Peak musical moments abound, especially Epstein's traps actions, to make this a unique and pleasurable listen. (Nancy Ann Lee)
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Ejazznews.com – Dec. 2008 Jay Epstein – “Long Ago” (Igmod)
Originally released in 1997, “Long Ago” is a re-release of drummer Jay Epstein's debut as leader featuring pianist Bill Carrothers and bassist Anthony Cox on a twelve-piece session of rhythm-based music taking a couple of originals and some jazz classics to new interpretations. The repertoire consist of a fairly nice blend of classic standards like Miles Davis' “Solar,” Wayne Shorter's “Lost,” and the Kern/Gershwin tune “Long Ago & Far Away” from which Epstein draws the title for the album.
Much of the music is warm and gentle but does not start out that way as drummer and crew burn up the 1932 Victor Young composition, “Street of Dreams” with gorgeous runs on the piano, and plenty of authoritative drumming from Epstein. The drummer's original, “Orion,” is structured quite differently, much more complex lines but does bring out the great interplay between the players and is marked by a compelling solo from Cox. Epstein presents a three-part suite entitled “The Dark Suite” for good reason as the music is down tempo and withdrawn to an extent. Carrothers is featured prominently with light finger play on the keys while the leader displays remarkable prowess on the cymbals a bit like the great Jack DeJonette or the modern jazz drummer from France, Manu Katche.
The music emerges once more with a sparkling read of Shorter's “Lost” and a perky rendition of the classic “You & the Night & the Music” featuring an extended drum roll introduction from Epstein on this overall up tempo piece. The program rounds out with “Heyoke,” the Davis tune “Solar” and the light finale “I'll Be Seeing You.” Though released 'long ago,' this impressive recording captures a solid performance by three master musicians and reaffirms the notion that jazz is timeless for the music is as vibrant today as when it was first heard. As for Epstein, this recording serves as a showcase of his brilliant mallet work, exciting cymbal splashes and displays the gentle side of his soft crisp brushwork. – by Edward Blanco
When you're a great drummer putting out your first trio record, you can't do much better than bassist Anthony Cox and pianist Bill Carrothers. But on "Long Ago", Epstein justifies the company with a solid outing that sweats the details. He splashes the cymbals like a couple of legendary Joneses--sometimes wet like Elvin, sometimes deft like Philly Joe--and engages his bandmates with a level of traditional craft and wistful poignancy that echoes the CD's title. The menu is a nice mix of classic standards (like Kern and Gershwin's "Long Ago & Far Away"), smart bop covers (Miles's "Solar" and Wayne Shorter's "Lost"), and creative Epstein originals, particularly "Balloons Over Pain," a brooding tune that features Cox's bow and anchors the superb "Dark Suite" song trilogy in the middle of the disc. Playing Monday, 8 P.M. Dakota Bar & Grill, Bandana Square, St. Paul; 642-1442. (Brit Robson)
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STAR TRIBUNE - Sunday, August 17, 1997 JAY EPSTEIN, "Long Ago" (IGMOD)
Listen up: An all-star trio's passion play
There is a reason drummer Epstein has become one of the most requested players in the Twin Cities. It's the way he gets such melodic expressiveness from the drum set through intricate cymbal combinations, with a high-tuned sound that soars above most other players' vision of the instrument's potential (the influential Paul Motian excluded). Epstein's debut as a leader unites him with two of the other most acclaimed and advanced local players: bassist Anthony Cox and pianist Bill Carrothers, who defy listeners' preconceptions as they further Epstein's vision. Carrothers, heard on two recent Blue Note albums by drummer Bill Stewart (and just relocated to New York), is a very choosy session player. This sometime firebrand is given plenty of room here, but he explores it with a calm, creative touch. Cox, in contrast to his jazz-rock headhunting in local groups such as Starry Eyed Lovelies, gives his partners abundant support and space throughout. Even the track sequencing is inspired, opening with a group of beautiful standards that stretch the ears for a three-piece, subdued middle section, suitably titled "The Dark Suite." The collection closes with a string of tributes to modern giants: Wayne Shorter ("Lost"), Kenny Wheeler ("Heyoke") and Miles Davis ("Solar"), capping off an album that never sacrifices deep passion for raw power. Epstein, Cox and Carrothers perform Monday at the Dakota Bar and Grill in St. Paul. (Jim Meyer)
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CADENCE MAGAZINE - November 1997 JAY EPSTEIN - "Long Ago" (IGMOD)
Jay Epstein leads a most adventurous piano trio session where Carrothers matches the lyrical abandon of Keith Jarrett in a stunning version of Kenny Wheeler's ballad "Heyoke." Epstein's brooding "Balloons Over Pain" shows how freely the trio can improvise; his atmospheric cymbals and Cox's arco join prepared piano in a performance that flows into a disturbing atonal version of "Keep The Home Fires Burning" as skewed harmonies bring to mind Ran Blake, while the final "I'll Be Seeing You," at ultra-slow tempo, conveys haunted intensity that ends in a spiral motif, a delicate moment of psychotic obsession very reminiscent of Blake.
"Long Ago" showcases splendid rapport in the interplay of the title track, spirited contrapuntal exploration of Miles Davis's "Solar" and driving modal romp through Wayne Shorter's "Lost." The uptempo "You And The Night And The Music" showcases Epstein's command of complex rhythmic dynamics as his dazzling cymbal and snare work extends the lineage of Tony Williams and Jack DeJohnette. Cox is typically inventive as he structures compelling solos in "Orion," "Long Ago & Far Away," "Beautuful Love," "Lost," "You & The Night & The Music", and "Solar". Excellent musicianship combines with an imaginative program to make "Long Ago" highly recommended. (David Lewis)
...............................................................................................................................
JAZZTIMES - December 1997 JAY EPSTEIN - "Long Ago" (IGMOD)
Drummer Jay Epstein leads an energetic, sometimes dark and eerie, 12-tune trio session with bassist Anthony Cox and pianist Bill Carrothers. While the threesome draws influences from the famed Keith Jarrett Trio, this is no copy-cat crew. Interacting intelligently and showing individual melody-based sensitivity, they refreshen the straightahead standards and two Epstein originals with seasoned artistry. Peak musical moments abound, especially Epstein's traps actions, to make this a unique and pleasurable listen. (Nancy Ann Lee)
..................................................................................................................................
Ejazznews.com – Dec. 2008 Jay Epstein – “Long Ago” (Igmod)
Originally released in 1997, “Long Ago” is a re-release of drummer Jay Epstein's debut as leader featuring pianist Bill Carrothers and bassist Anthony Cox on a twelve-piece session of rhythm-based music taking a couple of originals and some jazz classics to new interpretations. The repertoire consist of a fairly nice blend of classic standards like Miles Davis' “Solar,” Wayne Shorter's “Lost,” and the Kern/Gershwin tune “Long Ago & Far Away” from which Epstein draws the title for the album.
Much of the music is warm and gentle but does not start out that way as drummer and crew burn up the 1932 Victor Young composition, “Street of Dreams” with gorgeous runs on the piano, and plenty of authoritative drumming from Epstein. The drummer's original, “Orion,” is structured quite differently, much more complex lines but does bring out the great interplay between the players and is marked by a compelling solo from Cox. Epstein presents a three-part suite entitled “The Dark Suite” for good reason as the music is down tempo and withdrawn to an extent. Carrothers is featured prominently with light finger play on the keys while the leader displays remarkable prowess on the cymbals a bit like the great Jack DeJonette or the modern jazz drummer from France, Manu Katche.
The music emerges once more with a sparkling read of Shorter's “Lost” and a perky rendition of the classic “You & the Night & the Music” featuring an extended drum roll introduction from Epstein on this overall up tempo piece. The program rounds out with “Heyoke,” the Davis tune “Solar” and the light finale “I'll Be Seeing You.” Though released 'long ago,' this impressive recording captures a solid performance by three master musicians and reaffirms the notion that jazz is timeless for the music is as vibrant today as when it was first heard. As for Epstein, this recording serves as a showcase of his brilliant mallet work, exciting cymbal splashes and displays the gentle side of his soft crisp brushwork. – by Edward Blanco
