Recorded live in the studio over the course of four days to capture the spontaneity of a live performance, Eric Marienthal’s latest project, Got You Covered, is an eclectic collection of jazz, pop, flamenco and classical tunes literally from Bach to The Beatles.  The eleven-track cover album features guest musicians Russ Freeman, Russell Ferrante, Peter Erskine, Dave Carpenter, Luis Conte, and Chick Corea.

Opening the CD, Marienthal offers his tender rendition of “I Will,” the first song Paul McCartney wrote for his wife Linda.  Russ Freeman accompanies Marienthal’s gentle soprano sax on the acoustic 12-string guitar.  From the Beatles to Billy Joel, next up is Marienthal’s soulful rendition of “New York State Of Mind” backed-up nicely by Russell Ferrente on piano and Dave Carpenter on acoustic bass.  Next, Marienthal steps up and shows us how a saxman handles The Gypsy Kings’ flamenco tune, “Love and Liberte.” This is a great collaboration between Russ Freeman on classic guitar and Marienthal on soprano sax. Very nice, indeed.

The great Les McCann and Eddie Harris jazz-pop number, “Compared To What” is next, and Marienthal takes it back to his days as Chick Corea’s saxman on this one.  Edgy and a whole lot of fun, this one features Marienthal on the alto, Ferrente on piano, Dave Carpenter on acoustic bass, Peter Erskine on drums.  Marienthal slows it down and smoothes it out with the classic Louis Armstrong tune, “I’ve Got The World On A String,” but only for about a minute, then he picks it up and swings with it.  Along with Marienthal’s impressive skills on the alto sax, Carpenter and Ferrente really shine on this one too.  Changing the mood again is Marienthal’s take on the Bee Gees’ hit “Emotion.”  This one is updated but pretty true to the original with a contemporary jazz flavor.

Ok, I can’t help but admire anyone who would do a cover of a Johann Sebastian Bach piece… in a very impressive traditional straight-ahead jazz style. “Two Part Intervention #4 In D Minor” is absolutely wonderful, the highlight of the CD.  Another highlight of the CD, Marienthal soulfully covers another song made popular by the “one and only” Louis Armstrong, “My One and Only Love,” accompanied by Chick Corea on piano. 

“You’ve Got A Friend” was written by Carol King and made famous by James Taylor, and Marienthal puts his touch on it with a sweet soprano sax, accompanied on classic, acoustic and baritone guitars by Russ Freeman, keeping the acoustic feel of the original.  “Stand By Me” starts off with that wonderful bass line from the Ben E. King original, and Marienthal’s alto soulfully and beautifully handles the melody. Punctuated by Russ Freeman’s electric guitar solo and some great percussion, this is just a great track.

Closing the CD is the James Moody classic “Moody’s Mood for Love,” offered in memory of Marienthal’s uncle. Backed by the traditional jazz set-up of acoustic bass, piano and drums, Marienthal skillfully takes this CD home with the unmistakable sound of his alto sax.  An unusual collection of music, deftly handled by a great group of musicians, this one shouldn’t be missed.

- Elizabeth Ware