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Ehran Elisha Ensemble: The Lowdown

By Glenn Astarita
August 1, 2000
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Drummer Ehran Elisha is the agitator on this recent release titled, The Lowdown. Essentially, the “Ehran Elisha Ensemble” covers a wide spectrum of what one might expect from a crew of New York City based improvisers as the drummer/leader steers the band onward via his bustling and unwavering approach to meter. Yet one of the distinct highlights of this energetic set is how the musicians generate memorable themes and motifs that often serve as the foundations for striking improv and exciting escapades.

The main thrust of this recording is the multi-part opus titled, “The Lowedown: A Kinetic Music Suite” as the musicians take us on a whirlwind tour of expanded themes and lofty conversations. On this piece, the band is apt to calm the proceedings down a bit via quiet interludes such as bassist Drew Gress’ sublime yet stimulating solo while drummer Ehran Elisha exhibits imperious skills with his shifty utilization of brushes and sweeping rhythmic underpinnings. Trumpeter Roy Campbell, Jr. rides the upper registers amid blaring choruses by violinist Sam Bardfeld and tenor saxophonist David Bindman amid Bill Lowe’s rock solid trombone and tuba work. Throughout, the intensity level rises and subsides as the band pursues a potpourri of disparate motifs that span free-bop to raucous and somewhat mutated New Orleans style swing.

Overall, the musicians demonstrate their wares in commendable fashion as the lead soloists display boundless invention whether performing with a sense of urgency or during periods of quietude and playfulness. Ultimately, The Lowdown signifies a strong outing brimming with ingenuity and class!

* * * * (out of * * * * *)

Personell: Ehran Elisha; Drums: Bill Lowe; Bass Trombone & Tuba: Roy Campbell, Jr.; Trumpet, Flugelhorn & Pocket Trumpet.

Track listing: 1) What Do We Know? 2) The Lowedown: A Kinetic Music Suite; a) Ibidi b) Thank You For Coming To Lowes... c) Summer Soul d) Loose Juice 3) Placemat Histories

CIMP web: www.cadencebuilding.com

Personnel

Ehran Elisha Ensemble

Album information

Title: The Lowdown | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: CIMP Records

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