Search - Eric Kloss :: About Time

An Underrated Talent Deserving Much Wider Recognition

L. J. Allen | Atlanta, GA United States | 01/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
This CD compilation combines Eric Kloss' first two albums on the Prestige Label: INTRODUCING ERIC KLOSS from 1965 and LOVE AND ALL THAT JAZZ from 1966. You'll quickly discover that few saxophonists as young as Kloss possessed as much harmonic, rhythmic, and lyrical qualities. Kloss, who was blind since birth, was 16 and 17 years of age when these two sessions were recorded.



In addition to his astute Hard Bop and Post Bop approach to standards, Kloss also showed signs of becoming a notable composer as well. His performances on his self-penned THAT'S THE WAY IT IS and JUST FOR FUN-K demonstrate his impeccable abilities as both a perfomer and composer clearly anchored in the Blues.



Among other highlights featured here is a sizzling performance of organist-composer Don Patterson's 'S 'BOUT TIME. He delivers sensitive and lush readings of OLD FOLKS and I'M GLAD THERE IS YOU. His decidedly swinging, hard bop reading of Cole Porter's LOVE FOR SALE is played at a lightening-quick tempo. THE SHADOW OF YOUR SMILE is delivered with a marked Bossa Nova beat.



This CD is the perfect choice for Jazz fans who appreciate Standards, Bebop, and Hard Bop. It is also a welcome reissue of the first recordings of an incredibly diverse artist who seemingly disappeared from the Jazz world after the early 1980s. One listen to Kloss--featured here on both alto and tenor sax--and you will quickly discover that he deserved much wider recognition."

Introducing Eric Kloss

doctormanny | Pittsburgh, PA | 02/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I got my first introduction to Eric Kloss in 1979, when I moved to Pittsburgh, and he was playing regularly at a bar on Walnut Street in Shadyside. I always enjoyed his traditionalist sensibilities and his fluid saxophone playing. As noted by the previous reviewer, "About Time" is a twofer compilation that puts together his first two albums, "Introducing Eric Kloss" and "Love and All That Jazz," which were recorded in 1965 and 1966, respectively. Amazingly, Eric Kloss was only 16 years old at the time that he recorded the first album and 17 at the time that he recorded the second. You would not guess that from hearing his playing on this CD, which is confident and mature throughout--this is not high school talent show material. Unfortunately, Eric Kloss apparently never made a really big splash outside of his native Pittsburgh. That's a shame, not only for him but for all of the people who have not been exposed to this wonderfully gifted artist. If you don't know this guy and want to get introduced to some really cool jazz, check out this CD. Highly recommended."