Biography
Erly Thornton - "In Transit"
© 2012 Groove Elation Records, EAN/UPC: 0721762886717
REVIEWS OF "IN TRANSIT"
Jonathan WIdran - Huffington Post
“On his dynamic new album In Transit, saxophonist Erly Thornton blissfully bucks the typical trend of independent urban jazz artists who step into the fray timidly, caring so much about airplay that they refuse to offer melodies and grooves that challenge or inspire the listener. That’s not to say Thornton doesn’t take us in the pocket throughout this eclectic set--check out the soaring, soprano driven mid-tempo funk of “On My Way” and the high energy flow of “Getting’ It.” He vibes brilliantly with popular smooth jazz guitarist and vocalist Steve Oliver on the balmy, old schoolin’ “Moonlight Cay”, and is also in the contemporary urban flow with the easy vibing, brass fired title track, which is a perfect dance song for The Steppers community.
True to the evolving concept of a musical journey, those are simply the springboard for a lot of cool soul traveling, from the Euro-minded ambient exotica of the opening “Le Voyage Transatlantique” through the easy rolling Latin funk/pop grooves of “Latismo” which features guitarist Steve Oliver and the atmospheric jazzy R&B of “Amsterdam”. Thornton also engages in some ultra-engaging time traveling, tackling the Great American Songbook via an elegant rendition of “My Funny Valentine” (featuring a beautiful piano solo by album producer Derrick Harvin) and tapping into the late 70s pop world with a soulful cover of Ambrosia’s “Biggest Part of Me” and a wild and danceable, brass splashed romp through Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.”
Thornton is an intuitive composer and player, preferring to allow the feeling of the music define the concept of a recording as it evolves rather than start with a concept and work from there. It’s refreshing to hear an artist venture to so many exciting places on a single album, and fans can only hope that Thornton will be “In Transit” to more surprising sax driven adventures in the future.”
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Members:
Erly Thornton
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Sounds Like:
Marion Meadows, Kim Waters, Gerald Albright
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Influences:
Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, George Howard, David Sanborn, Grover Washington, Jr., Najee, Cannonball Adderly, John Coltrane
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AirPlay Direct Member Since:
04/11/12
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Profile Last Updated:
08/14/23 15:56:04