"The Waiting Game" is a captivating jazz album released in 2000 by the dynamic duo of Marty Ehrlich and Mike Nock. This collaborative effort brings together two seasoned musicians who have shared a stage and a deep musical friendship since the 1970s. The album is a testament to their long-standing musical connection, featuring a blend of original compositions and a few standards, all masterfully performed in the realms of free jazz and avant-garde.
Marty Ehrlich showcases his versatility and mastery of line and nuance, seamlessly adapting his voice across a range of instruments including clarinet, bass clarinet, alto and soprano saxes. The album's title track, "The Waiting Game," sets the tone for an exploratory journey through intricate melodies and improvisational brilliance. Other standout tracks like "Break Time" and "Reconciliations" highlight the duo's ability to create a rich, textured soundscape that is both innovative and deeply rooted in jazz tradition.
With a duration of 55 minutes, "The Waiting Game" offers a diverse collection of 13 tracks, each contributing to the album's overall narrative of musical exploration and collaboration. The inclusion of a standard like "The Duke," a tribute to Dave Brubeck, adds a touch of familiarity amidst the avant-garde experimentation. The album was recorded at Clinton Recording Studio and released under the Naxos Jazz label, further cementing its place in the contemporary jazz landscape.
For fans of free jazz and avant-garde music, "The Waiting Game" is a must-listen, showcasing the incredible chemistry and artistic prowess of Marty Ehrlich and Mike Nock.
