Album Notes

NEW CD BY JAZZ PIANIST/VOCALIST MARTIN EAGLE

Hawksnest Music announces the release of "A Welcoming Beauty," by jazz pianist, composer and vocalist Martin Eagle

The new CD includes nine original compositions and features outstanding musicians from the Triangle area of North Carolina. Martin's previous releases include two CDs with his former band, Cool Shooz: "Strut" and "Two Moons;" and the vocal CD "The Heart Remains The Same." All these CDs are available at Tower Records, www.cdbaby.com and all the legal download services such as www.itunes.com .

Martin Eagle formed the avant garde New Jazz Trio in Los Angeles at a time when the "free jazz" approach of Ornette Coleman was just making itself heard in New York. During this period he also performed with noted multi-saxophonist Rahsaan Roland Kirk and bassist Charlie Hayden. Returning to New York, he joined trumpeter Don Ellis' Orchestra and soon formed his own trio with bassist David Izenzon and drummer Charles Moffett, a rhythm section he shared with Ornette. This period also included a Carnegie Recital Hall concert and a performance in the first New York Avant Garde Jazz Festival with Izenzon and drummer Paul Motian. Despite this avant garde background, Martin never abandoned his commitment to melodic beauty.

After a number of years, his compositional range expanded to include the "pop" market and Martin had songs recorded by a variety of artists, as well as becoming Musical Director for Mama Cass Elliot and Bobby Hatfield of The Righteous Brothers. Returning to his jazz roots, Martin first formed the band Cool Shooz in 1996, which appeared in club and concert venues throughout the Triangle area. Martin's recent compositions expand the aesthetic of that band and feature a complex rhythmic, lyrical and melodic approach which reflect his avant garde history, as well as a respect for the American song form and a love of the standards which have been the basis of the jazz repertoire.

"Terrific CD. Excellent stuff, as good as any jazz originals I hear..." Claus Ogerman

"Enjoyed [your tape] very much. Congratulations." Steve Swallow and Carla Bley

"Re your band Cool Shooz, yes, I liked it (just as cool as its name.)" Marian McPartland