ETA IVTET レコード& CD

Review: Jeff Parker and his ETA IVtet are back with their first new music since 2022's Mondays at Enfield Tennis Academy. The album delves into improvised jazz grooves and features longtime collaborators Anna Butterss on upright bass, sax from Josh Johnson and Jay Bellerose on drums. The compositions are carefully crafted to capture the essence of a single night's setlist and reflect the unique atmosphere of the now-defunct Enfield Tennis Academy. Parker channels this space into a beautifully layered and dynamic piece that builds intricate, shifting textures from simple musical ideas that evoke a rich, immersive listen.

Review: Jeff Parker's The Way Out of Easy harnesses his long-running ETA IVtet's residency at the Los Angeles creative music venue, ETA. Featuring saxophonist Josh Johnson, bassist Anna Butterss, and drummer Jay Bellerose, the album comprises four expansive tracks recorded live on January 2, 2023. Known for their transcendental, groove-oriented improvisations, the ETA IVtet's sound evolved over seven years, blending minimalism and polyrhythmic mantras. Engineered by Bryce Gonzales, who designed a custom mixer specifically for the group, The Way Out of Easy presents a pure, transparent auditory experience. The set begins with 'Freakadelic', a composition from Parker's 2012 album, before moving through meditative and richly textured pieces like 'Late Autumn' and 'Easy Way Out'. The album closes with a spontaneous dub/reggae groove titled 'Chrome Dome'. As the final chapter in ETA's history, The Way Out of Easy is a testament to the ensemble's deep creative synergy and the enduring spirit of the venue.

Review: Jeff Parker's The Way Out of Easy shows his ETA IVtet in a live performance recorded on January 2, 2023, at Los Angeles' now-closed Enfield Tennis Academy. The album, due via International Anthem, marks the group's first release since 2022's critically acclaimed Mondays at the Enfield Tennis Academy. Featuring saxophonist Josh Johnson, bassist Anna Butterss and drummer Jay Bellerose, the quartet's seven-year residency at ETA honed their distinct sound, blending minimalist grooves with expansive, polyrhythmic improvisations. The four tracks on The Way Out of Easy capture the band's dynamic range and synergy, starting with 'Freakadelic', a reworking from Parker's 2012 album. Meditative tracks like 'Late Autumn' and 'Easy Way Out' evolve into richly textured, improvised soundscapes, before the album concludes with the spontaneous dub/reggae groove 'Chrome Dome'. Engineered by Bryce Gonzales using a custom mixer, the recording provides a pure and vibrant experience. As a final tribute to ETA, The Way Out of Easy offers a snapshot of the ensemble's improvisational mastery and the creative energy of their now-legendary residency.