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EC3: It's All About the Rhythm

By Jeffrey Uhrich
November 27, 2013
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Joy and exuberance are like prevailing winds throughout "It's All About the Rhythm", the third release by drummer/bandleader

EC3

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">EC3 (aka Ernest Coleman). Vibrant and full of life,

EC3

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">EC3 assembles a sound rhythmic foundation in his arrangements of popular and well-known songs mixed with newer, lesser known compositions.

" data-original-title="" title="">EC3 relates that in arranging the songs "[i]n musical styles from Afro-Cuban and Latin Jazz to straight-ahead swing, 'It's All About the Rhythm' describes the CD and my philosophy about life."

From the first notes of the opening track "Obsession," it is clear that

EC3

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">EC3 is a seasoned veteran and that he understands that music is supposed to be fun (as well as challenging and proficient). The listener is invited to move and dance in the groove-heavy and Latin- tinged "Obsession" (written by Pedro Flores), as well as Afro- Cuban rhythms of "Mambo Inn" (written by

Mario Bauza

trumpet
1911 - 1993

" data-original-title="" title="">Mario Bauza, Grace Samson and Bobby Woodlen).

EC3

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">EC3 lays down a salsa groove in his eclectic rendition of

Stevie Wonder

vocals
b.1950

" data-original-title="" title="">Stevie Wonder's "Overjoyed," which closes the CD with a positive affirmation of how a vibrant interplay of rhythm and a well-known melody can transform a timeless song into a new experience. Another standout track is "Ojos de Rojo," with aggressive percussion by

Dominique Patrick Noel

" data-original-title="" title="">Dominique Patrick Noel accentuating the lively beats of EC3.

EC3

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">EC3 is also introspective and reflective in "Chan's Song" (written by

Herbie Hancock

piano
b.1940

" data-original-title="" title="">Herbie Hancock and

Stevie Wonder

vocals
b.1950

" data-original-title="" title="">Stevie Wonder)—pianist

Janelle Gill

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Janelle Gill is spotlighted and adds a contemplative melody line and a somewhat haunting mood throughout the piece. As evidenced by Ms. Gill,

EC3

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">EC3 is generous in allowing his side musicians to shine throughout the CD. A thoughtful performance of

Kenny Barron

piano
b.1943

" data-original-title="" title="">Kenny Barron's "Sunshower" is provided with artful and adroit solos by not only

EC3

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">EC3, but also

William Knowles

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">William Knowles on piano and

Mark Saltman

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Mark Saltman on bass. {

With a joyful and rhythm-influenced interpretation of popular and lesser known tunes, ,em>"It's All About the Rhythm" provides a satisfying collection of pieces for the casual jazz fan as well as the jazz aficionado.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Obsession; Simone; (Summer)Estate; Mambo Inn; Chan's Song; (They Long To Be) Close To You; Speak Low; Sunshower; Ojos de Rojo; Overjoyed.

Personnel

EC3

drums

EC3: drums; Sammy Manguia: piano (1, 4,10); Michael Bowie: bass (1-5, 7, 9-10); Dominique Patrick Noel: percussion (1, 3-6, 9-10); Teddy Baker: tenor sax (1, 7, 9); Arch "Al" Thompson: flute (1, 4, 9); Janelle Gill: piano (2-3, 5, 7, 9); Clint Hyson: percussion (3, 5); Paul Jung: percussion (3, 5); Laura Sosa: vocal (3); Dr. Jose Manuel Garcia: piano (6); Craig Shaw: bass (6); Francisco "Frankie" Quinones: percussion (6); Melvin Jones: trumpet (6); William Knowles: piano (8); Mark Saltman: bass (8).

Album information

Title: It's All About the Rhythm | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Self Produced

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