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Groove - Eric Lilley Musician Composer Pianist

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New Release Coming March 13, 2023

Eric Lilley Trio - Three

Eric Lilley Trio Three

The Eric Lilley Trios’ third CD release is the aptly titled Three. Eric has once again written nine original compositions and is joined by bassist Mark Diamond and drummer Tony Black. The trio also invited percussionist Jose Espino to join them on the Latin high energy Goats and mysterious Visiting Hours. Initially conceived as a Bill Evans tribute, the stylistic scope of Three expanded with the passing of Chick Corea in 2021.

The set begins with a bang, the aforementioned Goats composed and named for Eric’s Capricorn twins Neil and Erica. The song bounces back and forth between swing and Latin with an extended outro vamp that lets Tony and Jose shine.

Jereices’ Step is a stylistic nod to the great bassist Scott Le Faros’ Glorias’ Step. The melody is stated twice and then the trio trades sections of half time and a tempo.

Kendras’ Waltz is especially reminiscent of a Chick type of tune with lilting front section followed by a harmonically adventurous pedal point middle.

Bill Evans is self explanatory. Shades of Nardis and Fun Ride.

May Day is a solo piano piece that allows Eric the room to try in a small way to capture some of the magic of the Bill Evans solo sound.

About Face is a straight ahead swinger with an extended section featuring Tony and Mark trading eights, then fours, then twos. Bill Evans enjoyed making anagrams of his song titles. This title is an anagram of saxophonist Art Boutons’ name. There is a little touch of Stevie Wonder on the ending.

Few and Far Between shifts back to a Chick feeling style. Eric gets to stretch on a lilting, bell like middle section before the group cascades down to the final chord.

Any Day Now features Eric again solo. Written at the end of a long Colorado winter, eagerly anticipating the first green of the return of Spring.

Visiting Hours describes the late night period when inspiration often comes. The creative spirits come for a visit and leave behind this moody, ethereal piece.

Visit Soundcloud for preview:

https://soundcloud.com/user-811923770/sets/eric-lilley-trio-follow-up

Here is a review from George W. Harris at Jazz Weekly

It’s not hard to guess who inspires pianist/composer Eric Lilley, as he’s teamed with Mark Diamond/b Tony Black/dr (and guest Jose Espino/perc) on this collection of original. I mean, after all, “Bill Evans” is filled with rich and lyrical harmonics that sparkle, and even uptempo pieces such s “Jereice’s Step” never runs out of melodic ideas. There are also a pair of solo outings that make you wish for more, with the “ Tune Up” inspired “May Day” a rich journey and “Any Day Now” a dramatic aria. Jade visions..

In Three, the Eric Lilley Trio crafts a sonic story that pays tribute to jazz legends while firmly establishing their own distinctive mark in the annals of the jazz canon. Each track unfolds like a chapter in a storybook, drawing listeners into the intimate world of Lilley’s musical genius and the Trio’s unparalleled synergy. To both the seasoned jazz aficionado and the connoisseur of piano jazz trios, this album offers a journey that bridges the legacies of the past with the present innovations.

Bathed in the soft luminescence of Lilley’s previous albums, Joie de Vivre and Follow Up (read our review HERE), Three by the Eric Lilley Trio is nothing short of a heartfelt homage. Three paints an intricate tableau that melds the legacy of the past with the vibrancy of the present. It’s a poetic nod to the heritage left by jazz maestros Bill Evans and Chick Corea, colored with the distinct shades of Lilley’s individuality and his Trio’s cohesive synergy. Stamish Marcus/Jazz Sensibilities

The compositions are heartfelt narratives, promoting an intimate conversation between Lilley and his fellow musicians, articulated through the universal language of music. He pours his reverence for iconic pianists, his affection for family and friends, and his own lived experiences into every chord and melody. The result is a sincere and evocative tapestry of sounds, where each piece becomes a highly expressive vehicle for exploration for Lilley and his fellow musicians and the listener.

In conclusion, Eric Lilley’s Three is a vibrant demonstration of artistic evolution, a narrative told in the dialect of jazz, resounding with the echoes of his past, the resonance of his present, and the anticipation of his future. It is a deep dive into the heart of a gifted pianist and composer, a journey through a soundscape that remains eternally fresh yet familiar. As the notes fade and the story concludes, we are left not just with the satisfaction of a jazz album well enjoyed but with the anticipation of the continued evolution of an artist deeply entwined with the music he loves. Steven Miller/Sound In Review

Airplay Update for "Follow Up"

Have had a solid response from North American radio the past 14 weeks. Over 50 stations have reported featuring cuts off of Follow Up.

The most-played tracks this week continue to be: “Bud Bop”, “The Hollow Way”, “Weston Walk”, “Tricycle”, “Moptops"; “Summer’s Second Day”.

Our running airplay tally:

CILU (Thunder Bay, ON)
Hawaii Public Radio
JazzWorks (nationally syndicated service)
Jazz From Gallery 41 (syndicated)
Kansas Public Radio
KAFM (grand Junction, CO)
KAZI (Austin, TX)
KCCK (Cedar Rapids, IA)
KCSB (Santa Barbara, CA)
KEWU (Spokane, WA)
KKFI (Kansas City, MO)
KMUD (Arcata, CA)
KNKX (Seattle/Tacoma, WA)
KRFC (Ft. Collins, CO)
KRZA (Alamosa, CO)
KTUH (Honolulu, HI)
KUNM (Albuquerque, NM)
KUVO (Denver, CO)
KVSC (St. Cloud, MN)
KVSF (Santa Fe, NM)
Music Choice (tv service - 2 million listeners!)
PubMusic (nationally syndicated public radio service)
Radio Fairfax (Fairfax, VA)
SoulAndJazz.com (webcaster)
South Dakota Public Radio (entire state)
Taintradio (webcaster)
Valley Public Radio (Fresno, CA)
WBLU (Twin Lakes, MI)
WCMU (Mt. Pleasant, MI)
WDCE (Richmond, VA)
WDIY (Bethlehem, PA)
WESM (Eastern Shore, MD)
WFCF (St. Augustine, FL)
WFPK (Louisville, KY)
WGVU (Grand Rapids, MI)
WICR (Indianapolis, IN)
WJSU (Jackson, MS)
WMOT (Nashville, TN)
WMUA (Amherst, MA)
WOOC (Schenectady/Troy, NY)
WOWD (Takoma Park, MD/Washington, D.C.)
WPRB (Princeton, NJ)
WQLN (Erie, PA)
WRIR (Richmond, VA)
WRTI (Philadelphia, PA)
WTJU (Charlottesville, VA)
WUOT (Knoxville, TN)
WWNO (New Orleans, LA)
WWOZ (New Orleans, LA)
WWUH (West Hartford, CT)
WZBT (Gettysburg, Pa

Shannon Smith From Sound In Review June 6, 2021 "Follow Up"

“The Weston Walk” is a grooving swing that slinks along with a deliciously timbered melody. The trio is tight and snappy with its hits and synchronicity. Lilley has a deep sense of jazz swing in his playing with a mature, laid-back sensibility that oozes maturity and finesse. Heller also has a deep sense of swing as he locks tightly with Heller. A thoroughly enjoyable listen from tip to stern.

“Summer’s Second Day” begins with a beautifully dissonant intro that evolves into a proper romp, and at times third stream voicings by Lilley elevate the sonic palette. Next, bassist Diamond reveals a stirring solo that attacks with fervor and panache. All the while, Heller keeps a solid and consistent colorization under the bassist, then all at once, he adds commentary and trades with pianist Lilley adding a nice feature for the drummer.

Overall Follow Up has a lot of meat and potatoes to it, not only from a playing standpoint but also a rich tapestry of writing. Lilley is a consummate composer with many twists and turns that add to the fabric of a superlative listen.

"Joie de Vivre" Review Suzanne Lorge/DownBeat

The Eric Lilley Trio moves bracingly through the album's set of heady swing tune, charming jazz waltzes, and adrenalized bop revelations... a collection as refreshing as its title suggests. And as with many acoustic trios of long association, the groups repertoire trips easily off its fingers.

Groove - Eric Lilley Musician Composer Pianist

Featured Products

New Release Coming March 13, 2023

Eric Lilley Trio - Three

Sneak Preview - Follow Up

Airplay Update for "Follow Up"

Shannon Smith From Sound In Review June 6, 2021 "Follow Up"

"Joie de Vivre" Review Suzanne Lorge/DownBeat

Photo Gallery

Without Discipline we are lost.

Without Discipline we are lost.

Without Discipline we are lost.

You should be practicing.

Without Discipline we are lost.

Without Discipline we are lost.

Eric Lilley Trio on Soundcloud

"Rouac"

"Tournesol"

Eric Lilley Trio - Twirler

Eric Lilley Trio - Joie de Vivre

Eric Lilley - Poppy

Eric Lilley & Jim Reiske - "Future City"

Eric Lilley - Songs Without Words

Eric Lilley - Songs Without Words

Eric Lilley Trio - Tournesol

Groove - Eric Lilley Musician Composer Pianist

Featured Products

New Release Coming March 13, 2023

Eric Lilley Trio - Three

Sneak Preview - Follow Up

Airplay Update for "Follow Up"

Shannon Smith From Sound In Review June 6, 2021 "Follow Up"

"Joie de Vivre" Review Suzanne Lorge/DownBeat

Photo Gallery

Without Discipline we are lost.

Without Discipline we are lost.

Without Discipline we are lost.

You should be practicing.

Without Discipline we are lost.

Without Discipline we are lost.

Eric Lilley Trio on Soundcloud

"Rouac"

"Tournesol"

Eric Lilley Trio - Twirler

Eric Lilley Trio - Joie de Vivre

Eric Lilley - Poppy

Eric Lilley & Jim Reiske - "Future City"

Eric Lilley - Songs Without Words

Eric Lilley - Songs Without Words

Eric Lilley Trio - Tournesol

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