Eric Mintel's quartet makes a warm sound without making artistic compromises.  This set is bright and enjoyable, honed on scores of gigs from the Kennedy Center to Media's Rose Tree Park.  Mintel, of Morrisville, Bucks County, continues his affinity for Dave Brubeck's music, choosing "Forty Days", from the 1968 oratorio Light in the Wilderness.  It's affecting work that adds drama to this set.  And Mintel's "Hopscotch" may be the most likeable cut ever based on a twelve tone row.  Neil Wetzel, director of jazz studies at Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA, provides handsome solos.  He and the leader are supported by the sympathetic rhythm section of bassist Dave Antonow on drummer Jeremy Berberian.  The glow becomes a tad commonplace by the end, but this quartet connects with listeners and deserves recognition.
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If you have not had a chance to hear the performances of the Eric Mintel Quartet, then grab a copy of their new release, Hopscotch, and settle back for some excellent contemporary jazz.  This fine collection features 11 songs with liner notes by pianist Dave Brubeck and commentary by Eric Mintel.  With the exception of "Forty Days" by Dave Brubeck and "Caravan" by Duke Ellington, all other compositions are by Eric Mintel.  Mintel has a poet's gift for expressing jazz motifs in music, and his compositions are highly enjoyable.  The performances on this collection are top notch.  Songs include "Hopscotch", "Swingin' on a Sunday", "Japanese Maple", "Caribbean Moonlight", "Dance of the Beautiful", "Philadelphia Blues". "To Jobim", "Fall Waltz" and "Strollin'".  Neil Wetzel is the perfect clarinet player, and his solo work on saxophone, clarinet and flute is flawless.  Dave Antonow gives the jazz listeners some fine and pensive bass playing, and his solo work is exceptional as are the performances of Jeremy Berberian on drums.  The CD showcases the many talents of Eric Mintel, and listeners will enjoy his intricate, individualistic and stylish piano musings in such memorable performances as "Japanese Maple", "Fall Waltz" and "To Jobim", among others.  I liked the song "Strollin'" very much too.  "Caribbean Moonlight" contains some great solo performances and deserves air play for it's original sounds.  What will attract listeners to HOPSCOTCH is its geniune jazzy feel and jazz approaches.  The music is fresh and original.  If you are looking for a fresh, innovative new jazz pianist, give Eric Mintel a listen!  The Eric Mintel Quartet performances on HOPSCOTCH are enjoyable, entertaining and jazz expression at its finest.
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Mintel has created an album of great charm, with perky melodies like "Japanese Maple" and the opening "Hopscotch" which sets a tone of particularly sunny disposish.  However, like others before him, he needs to explore the darker emotions to be considered fully rounded.  He is on his way,this is a working band from the Philadelphia area that has been together some time and Neil Wetzel's alto has just enough McLeanish edge to avoid cloying coyness.  While Mintel, although influenced by Dave Brubeck, has developed a less percusive style.  It adds up to an easy listening experience.  Amiable, but not at all antiseptic.
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