"Ehud Asherie is one of the brightest lights on the scene today."
-- Peter Bernstein

(Posi-Tone)*** 1/2
The first-rate, modern-minded pianist Ehud Asherie, a longtime member of tenor saxophone ace Grant Stewart's quintet, makes his debut with an appealing program of originals, standards and gems from the jazz repertoire. Employing a medium-deep touch that results in hefty, gleaming notes, Asherie speaks the bebop-and-beyond language. His lines -- those that curve pleasingly with rhythmic juice as well as those that are brief and punched -- are full of choice notes. The empathetic band comprises three other Stewart-ites -- the tenorman, his brother, drummer Phil Stewart, and bassist Joel Forbes -- plus trumpeter Ryan Kisor on four tracks. The uptempo title track takes one swinging idea and moves it around, creating flow. Kisor's brassy sound and crisp invention stand out, as does tenorman Stewart's swarthy tone and powerhouse swing. Potent rhythm underpins. "The Special" is a medium-paced Asherie composition with a refreshing 1950s sensibility. The pianist plays a deft verse to the ambles-along "Isn't It a Lovely Day"; his solo is a solid complement to the theme. Dizzy Gillespie's "Shaw Nuff" is riotously fast yet remains tuneful and ear-friendly.
-- Zan Stewart

(mp3 audio samples)
Mixed Emotions
Shaw 'Nuff
Lockout