Featured Artist: Andrew Marks

CD Title: A.M. in O.C. solo piano for the soul

Year: 2005

Record Label: Independent

Style: Straight-Ahead / Classic

Musicians: Andrew Marks (piano)

Review:

I have heard Andrew Marks play solo gigs and play with his regular group, The Long Beach Trio, which includes acoustic bass and drums. I have heard him play straight-ahead jazz, classical and if the people want it, he will even play a pop tune. I have heard Andrew play at chamber events, in restaurants, at weddings, outdoor fairs, and private parties. I always dig his playing and his rapport with the audience.

Andrew often performs standards and flavors these jazz classics with his warm personal style. However, Andrew has over the years played his own original pieces which have often been the highlight of his performances. I have heard people ask him to record these compositions. This album fulfills that request in a grand manner. A.M. in O.C. is a collection of twelve original compositions played beautifully on a grand piano.

Andrew has a real affinity for the piano. The instrument seems to like him. Part of this may be that Andrew spends a lot of his time taking care of pianos. Andrew has perfect pitch, which demonstrates when he tunes your Steinway, Baldwin or Yamaha by ear. When he plays you hear this relationship in his touch. There is a certainty in his playing whether he is gently coaxing the softest sounds, or using his instrument’s full voice.

Andrew has an ear for discovering the musical and melodic, plus the vision as a composer to capture both. A.M. in O.C. features twelve short compositions, which are strongly melodic. His playing is nuanced and this results in an album that you will listen to time and again. This soulful music is appropriate for quite reflection, maybe even meditation and these tracks can certainly set the mood for a romantic candlelight dinner.

Andrew’s music, both his composing and his playing, has been influenced by traditional jazz and classical traditions, which he has fully integrated into his writing and playing. He gives credit to the musicians whose music has guided him on his liner notes. He does them honor with his performance.

As the name indicates this is music for your soul, as well as your ears.

Tracks:

Lullabye, The Bond, Just Let Go, Sketches in the Sand, Summer of '77, Capetown, Twilight, It's That Time, Sad Secret, Closeness, Maria, and Central Coast Ghost

Reviewed by: Gerard W. O'Brien

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