Album Notes

Eugene Maslov
Pianist, Composer

Piano prodigy from St. Petersburg, Russia residing in the USA.
Studied classical piano with Lina Bershadskaya at the Moussorgsky College of Music and under Professor Fedorova at the Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory where he also focused on Jazz studies.

Eugene's passion for piano inspires legions of young players. He is a product of a rigorous and disciplined music education with first rate performance ethics, a true maestro. His continued development of classical and jazz techniques have resulted in a series of ground breaking CD releases. He has successfully worked with the cream of modern Jazz music. Shirly Horn, Hubert Laws, Toots Thielemans, Bob Sheppard, Gary Burton, Eddie Gomez, Boris Kozlov, Vinnie Calaiouta, Omar Hakim just to name a few. The following albums feature not only Eugene's incredible piano playing but also his masterfully crafted original compositions.

Recordings:
2005 Where The Light Comes From...
2002 The Fuse Is Lit
2000 The Face of Love
1999 When I Need to Smile
1994 Autumn In New England

Collaborations:

2002 Jazz Yule Love: Various Artists
Piano
1999 Songs of Seven Seas: Sami Kaneda
Synthesizer, Piano, Arranger, Composer
1998 Eat Me Baby, I'm a Jellybean: Daevid Allen
Piano
1998 Family Jewels: Gong
Piano=A0
1995 Blues, Dues & Love News:
Grammy nominated vocalist Ernestine Anderson
Keyboards

For album credit verification and more info please consult allmusic.com and eugenemaslov.com.






Top 10 Jazz Albums

Eric Cohen, WAER-FM 88.3; based on personal preferences as well as national and local airplay.

1. Charlie Haden/Michael Brecker. American Dreams (Verve).

2. Dave Holland Big Band. What Goes Around (ECM).

3. Eugene Maslov. The Fuse Is Lit (Mack Avenue).

4. Monty Alexander. My America (Telarc).

5. Norah Jones. Come Away With Me (Blue Note).

6. Joshua Redman. Elastic (Warner Brothers).

7. Cassandra Wilson. Belly Of The Sun (Blue Note).

8. Eliane Elias. Kissed By Nature (Blue Note).

9. Tony Monaco Trio. Master Chops T (Summit).

10. Ramsey Lewis. Meant To Be (Narada).


1
Jazz Times
America's Jazz Magazine

Artist: Maslov, Eugene
Title of CD: The Fuse Is Lit
Record Label: Mack Avenue
Reviewed by Harvey Siders in the CD Reviews section of the March 2003 issue.

Russian emigre Eugene Maslov brought his classical background, prodigious technique and love for jazz with him when he landed in Los Angeles in 1989. He tried the Apple for a while, played Carnegie Hall and assorted jam sessions, but he wasn't in a New York state of mind and moved to Philadelphia in 2000. When his manager, former Jazz Crusader Stix Hooper, became an exec with Mack Avenue Records, Maslov emigrated from Brownstone Records to Mack Ave. This is his third album for the label. Enough bio. Now for an even shorter review: Maslov is a monster on piano. When he lets out all his Russian intensity, as he does on his original, "The Witch," Maslov can be all-consuming, diabolical, sweeping all over the keyboard like a Russian blizzard. No minimalist, he. Alternating between the styles of his two favorites, Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans, Maslov consumes the keyboard on "The Masquerade Is Over," "To My Teacher/To My Friend," "Guru" and "Entente." On the last two, guests Hubert Laws, flute, and Pete Christlieb, tenor (heard on about half of the tracks), hold their own with Maslov. Drummer Joe La Barbera shows up on three cuts. To balance the ferocity of his attack, Maslov turns poetic on "Django" and particularly on the solo track "One for My Baby," which is beautifully reharmonized. Another well-written original, "Dream of Dreams," begins romantically, but after Laws' gentle solos, Maslov tends to unleash the demon. With that much technique, how can one hold back?
2
Jazz Times
America's Jazz Magazine

Artist: Maslov, Eugene
Title of CD: When I Need to Smile
Record Label: Mack Avenue
Reviewed by Hilarie Grey in the Currents section of the July/August 1999 issue.

If sinking into total virtuoso piano work is a pastime, than Eugene Maslov's When I Need to Smile (Mack Avenue MAC1001; 42:27) may be just the thing for you. Russian star Maslov has a rich, cascading style that is both commanding and expressive-intense on demonstrative passages and gently musing on more romantic flights. This rare talent is augmented here by the excellent sidemen Eddie Gomez (bass) and Omar Hakim (drums). Together, this trio spins a complex meditative mood on "Living in the Past" through dark chord interplay and a lighter melody line, and wistful romantic flight on "Here Comes Juliette," which finds Maslov bouncing his phrases across walking bass and bounding drums in an expression of pure joy. There are familiar tunes peppered among Maslov's originals as well-unique arrangement of Gershwin's immortal "The Man I Love" is played as a stiff-fingered, upbeat marching tune, lending humor and emotion, before sweeping into the b-section on a meandering jazz walk. Likewise the trio's read of Jobim's "Dindi" is a revelation, calling upon a lighter color palette of fluttery piano, but with dramatic undertones.

3
Jazz Improv Magazine
Volume 2, Number 2
Michael Brecker Cover
224 Pages
Eugene Maslov

"When I Need To Smile"- MackAvenueRecords.
by Andrew Scott

"a decidedly democratic
straight-ahead outing"


4
New York Post MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1997

Concert Review by Chip Deffaa
Carnegie Hall
Tribute to Jobim

"Eugene Maslov, brand new to our
music scene, impressed on "Dindi".

5
THE NEW YORK TIMES MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1997
THE ARTS
music review by Stephen Holden
Carnegie Hall
Tribute to Jobim

"Eugene Maslov, a talented Russian pianist, played an ultra-romantic "Dindi," in a style that fused the lushness of Rachmaninoff with the light bounce of Bill Evans."



6
Fuse Is Lit
Artist Eugene Maslov
Album Title Fuse Is Lit
Date of Release Jul 30, 2002
AMG Genre Jazz
Styles Post-Bop
AMG Expert Review:
Born in Russia but long an American, Eugene Maslov is a talented and versatile pianist who is heard at his best throughout this release. Most of the selections feature Maslov in a trio with bassist Boris Kozlov and either Vinnie Colaiuta or Joe LaBarbera on drums. Flutist Hubert Laws is on three songs, two of which also include tenor saxophonist Pete Christlieb, while the closing "One for My Baby" is an unaccompanied piano solo. Both Laws and Christlieb add a lot in their guest appearances, although Maslov is the main star. The music ranges from straight-ahead to a bit funky (particularly "Entente"). Maslov shows off the influence of Chick Corea in spots (especially on the opening "To My Teacher/To My Friend"), displays very impressive technique, and he can certainly swing up a storm. His six originals are all fun to hear, but it is the three standards ("Django," "One for My Baby," and a blazing version of "The Masquerade Is Over") that take honors. Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Album Releases: 2002
CD
Mack Avenue
1006

Eugene Maslov Piano
Pete Christlieb Sax (Tenor)
Hubert Laws Flute
Vinnie Colaiuta Drums
Joe La Barbera Drums
Boris Kozlov Bass
Stix Hooper Producer
Franz Pusch Engineer, Mixing
Stephen Marsh Mastering
Gretchen Carhartt Executive Producer
Antony Zeller Mixing Assistant
Tracks:
1. To My Teacher/To My Friend (Maslov) - 6:15
2. Dream of Dreams (Maslov) - 8:04
3. Sometime, Somewhere, Somehow... (Maslov) - 5:04
4. Guru (Maslov) - 8:19
5. The Witch (Baba-Yaga) (Maslov) - 5:55
6. Django (Maslov) - 4:23
7. The Masquerade Is Over (Magidson/Wrubel) - 5:20
8. Entente (Maslov) - 6:47
9. One for My Baby (And One More for the... (Arlen/Mercer)7:46


Eugene Maslov reviews on the Web:


7
"Eugene Maslov is a stunning musician. His command of the piano is astonishing. He must be heard to be believed."

"When I Need To Smile"

Eugene Maslov - Piano
Eddie Gomez - Bass
Omar Hakim - Drums

"The Face Of Love"

Eugene Maslov - Piano
Shirley Horn - Vocals
Toots Thielemans - Harmonica
Eddie Gomez, Chuck Deardorf - Bass
George Schuller, Steve Williams - Drums

"The Fuse Is Lit"

Eugene Maslov - Piano
Boris Koslov - Bass
Vinnie Colaiuta - Drums
Pete Christlieb - Tenor Saxophone
Hubert Laws - Flute

"The Fuse Is Lit" is a fiery collection of Maslov compositions and interpretation of three standards, anchored by the trio of Maslov on piano, fellow Russian Boris Koslov (of Mingus Band fame) on bass and Vinnie Colaiuta on drums.
Virtuosity, immense talent, uniqueness and individuality, only begin to describe Eugene's brilliant artistry.

8

THE FUSE IS LIT

Eugene Maslov

Mack Avenue Records, 2002

Review by: Andrea Callahan

Originally published: March 15, 2004



The Fuse Is Lit, the third endeavor of Russian jazz pianist Eugene Maslov on Mack Avenue Records, has all the hallmarks of traditional jazz, but with a very different flavor. There are wonderful improvised sections; the tempo and swing are all there. But Maslov also includes elaborate melodies such as one might expect in classical music, and a feeling of a story in each song. "Baba Yaga" is exceptionally fanciful, and the lack of vocals in no way impairs the musician's ability to tell a story.



Maslov is an excellent composer. The Fuse Is Lit contains a good selection of thoughtful music, such as "Dream of Dreams" and "Django." Other songs on the album, such as "Entente" and "To My Teacher / To My Friend," are very upbeat. Maslov's compositions play to the strengths of the instruments that are featured in the solos. In "Dream of Dreams," transitions between the piano solos and the flute solos are immediate, seamless, and feature a complete change in style that highlights the sound of the instrument. This leads to a very real sound of voices, with each instrument being a participant in a play. Each participant has a role that they are well accommodated to play.



Some of the finest flute playing that I've heard is performed by Hubert Laws on three of the nine tracks. Boris Kozlov performs on bass, Pete Christlieb on tenor sax, while drum duty is shared by Joe LaBarbera and Vinnie Colaiuta. These players are each allowed a chance in the spotlight, playing solos while all other instruments maintain a faint rhythm section behind them. Perhaps too faint; I find that when a solo is taking place, it becomes difficult to hear any other instrument. This minor flaw in engineering is my one big gripe. After all, much of jazz improvisation is about the soloist's skill in weaving with the existing melody and rhythm behind them.



I'm not sure that I would recommend Maslov to someone that was a fan of big band jazz or early foot-tapping small-band jazz. The Fuse Is Lit still makes your foot tap, but more importantly it engages your mind and emotions, distracting you from anything else in hand to become completely absorbed by the story of the song. No track on the album contains just one mood or one simple melody. Every song evolves from beginning to end, creating a rich, organic, and truly mesmerizing album.

RATING: A


9

Eugene Maslov

The Fuse Is Lit

MAC 1006

Eugene Maslov, piano; Boris Kozlov, bass; Vinnie Colaiuta, drums; Hubert Laws, flute; Pete Christlieb, tenor sax; Joe LaBarbera, drums.

Russian born pianist Eugene Maslov powers away with nine tracks, six of which are his own. A forcing pianist, who likes to get on with it, also displays excellent timing and an innate ability for the pulse of a tune. With Vinnie Colaiuta on drums for five of the tracks, Joe LoBarbera for two and Boris Kozlov on bass throughout. They are joined on three tracks by Hubert Laws, whose sensitive flute playing on "Dream Of Dreams" is also melodically beautiful. In "Guru" the flute is joined by the tenor saxophone of Pete Christlieb, who offers greater color and a fine balance. "The Witch (Baba Yaga)" demonstrates Eugene at his powerful best, a moody, dominating piece played at pace. "Entente" is the best piece for the whole ensemble; every one gets the chance to stretch, with Eugene flashing over the keyboard. A solo performance at the end with "One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)" displays the man at a slower tempo to round off the set. A full bodied and often exciting piano player; for those who like the piano, this should not be missed.

by Ferdinand Maylin


10

The Face of Love

Eugene Maslov

Mack Avenue Records MAC 10002

1 Chan's Song (Never Said)
2 More Love
3 Them There Eyes
4 The Face of Love
5 Seven Steps to Heaven
6 Peacocks
7 Bluesette
8 Grove Merchant
9 Through Russian Eyes
10 Come Back to Me Love

Eugene Maslov - piano, synth
Eddie Gomez - bass (all tracks except 4, 10)
Chuck Deardorf - bass (tracks 4 & 10)
Willie Jones - drums (all tracks except 2, 4,7 &10)
Steve Williams - drums (tracks 4 & 10)
George Schuller - drums (tracks 2 & 7)
Guests Shirley Horn (tracks 4 & 10)
Toots Thielman (tracks 2 & 7)



A new name for me, but Eugene Maslov is a very fine performer, he was classically trained and he is of Russian origin, but he has certainly absorbed the essence of great jazz piano playing. The classical training has provided the amazing technique, but as we know in the jazz world, that counts for little if you have no feeling for jazz. Whether Eugene is playing the music of Herbie Hancock or swinging on an old standard, this is jazz piano of its very best. The guest artists, Toots Thielman on harmonica and the redoubtable Shirley Horn, who is probably the finest living jazz female vocalist, add to the quality of the record.

The programme is also excellent, a nice collection of differing content, but most importantly each one beautifully played. It is of course true that the best pianists always attract the best bass players and the best drummers and this is the case here, Eugene is very well supported in that respect.

Seven Steps to Heaven, the Miles Davis/Victor Feldman composition is one of the finest tracks here, although I found all of them most enjoyable.

Groove Merchant by Jerome Richardson if a nice funky track with a sort of 'down home' feel about it. Through Russian Eyes is a very pleasant Maslov original, with a light Latin feel. The last track brings back Shirley Horn she seems to just get better and better!

This is an excellent record, which I highly recommend to all lovers of great jazz piano.

Don Mather


5
'When I Need To Smile'

Eugene Maslov
Mack Avenue Records - MAC 1001

1 kolobok
2 here comes juliette
3 clear out of this world
4 when I need to smile
5 living in the past
6 the man I love
7 dindi
8 milestones
9 sweet lana

This is the first time I have heard Eugene Maslov. On this CD he is accompanied by Eddie Gomez - bass and Omar Hakim - drums. Born and raised in Novotroisk, Russia his early influences included Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson and Kenny Barron. His opportunity to make a name for himself came when he was offered work at the American Embassy playing with such names as Gary Burton, Pat Metheny and Steve Swallow. By the early 1990s Maslov had moved to New York and was working with Grover Washington, Rebecca Paris and Alan Dawson. He also began to make solo appearances.

His first US recording was made in 1992. 'When I Need To Smile' was recorded in 1998 and four titles are Maslov originals. In his performance his classical training is evident as is the influence of Evans and others. Whether he is following a melodic or harmonious pattern his interpretation is excellent. He constructs fine flowing lines that at times just stay within the bounds of the original melody. Maslov is yet another of the school of contemporary musicians who are adding new facets to jazz in playing their own compositions or a fresh translation of the American song-book - I hope there is sufficient following for them to receive the acknowledgement they deserve.

I thoroughly enjoyed this recording and it has prompted me to listen to more of this talented musician - highly recommended.

Jack Ashby

6
EUGENE MASLOV
The Fuse Is Lit
Mack Avenue Records

Russian-born pianist Eugene Maslov has strong technique and the ability to both swing and provide classically-fueled fantasias, taking the listener on a roller coaster ride that always invigorates and never disappoints. With the help of his high-powered trio comprised of bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta along with such guests as Hubert Laws and Pete Christlieb, Maslov delivers a knockout performance that draws from influences as diverse as McCoy Tyner, Bill Evans, and Herbie Hancock.

Maslov is also an impressive composer, as most of the nine tracks here are his own compositions. "To My Teacher/To My Friend," the opening track, provides powerful, deep block chord voicings with more delicate right-hand improvisational flights and unexpected rhythmic shifts. "Dream of Dreams," another Maslov composition, brings the beautiful flute work of Hubert Laws to the fore. Here Laws demonstrates how gorgeous the flute can sound, with none of the saccharine qualities less experienced players sometimes bring to the instrument. He returns later on another Maslov original, the Latin-tinged "Entente" which also features the always-welcome tenor sax playing of Pete Christlieb. Christlieb provides a bold, aggressive solo that leads into a brightly-colored statement from Laws. Pete also does a standout solo on the track "Guru," providing a straight-ahead, swinging sound that tenor sax devotees will adore.

Eugene also tackles a few standards: "Django," the evocative John Lewis eulogy to Django Reinhardt, is ably handled by the trio, with Maslov's classical background coming into play in his masterful interpretation of this classic. Then there's a rousing performance of "The Masquerade Is Over" with Joe LaBarbera sitting in on the drums. The CD's final cut is a solo piano interpretation of the Harold Arlen/Johnny Mercer song "One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)." No one can perform this song without encountering the ghost of Sinatra, and it is to Maslov's credit that he doesn't really try to avoid the inevitable. He provides his own gorgeous interpretations and improvisations on the melodic and harmonic material of the song, and while you can easily feel you are sitting in a piano bar late at night, drinking and pondering that love affair gone wrong, the experience is always elegant, never cheesy, with Maslov at the ivories.

Eugene Maslov is not a household name, but he definitely deserves greater recognition for his energetic and accomplished piano styling. Those who are interested in piano jazz in trio and small group settings that is brisk yet never loses sight of melodic interpretation would do well to check him out.

7
The Fuse Is Lit

Eugene Maslov
Mack Avenue Records (2002 Album)

Do you know the feeling when you're in the mood for some easy-going music on a lazy Sunday while watching the clouds passing by trough the window? The feeling when you're in the mood for some warm and earthy music on a late sultry summer night while reading an interesting book? So, what do you do? Browse through your record collection and put on a good old' jazz album!
In this is case it's Eugene Maslov's The Fuse Is Lit. It's the third album from this Russian composer and pianist whose compositions are built around the classical jazz pattern, namely the typical long piano playing accompanied with live bass and drums.

Your thoughts are rapidly distracted from what you where reading or watching and you start to concentrate on the music: Beautifully crafted melodies and often complex structures, all played with great virtuosity.
From the slow and gentle Dream Of Dreams, brightened up with some superb flute, to the swinging bass solo in Sometime, Somewhere, Somehow. Then arriving at the choice part of this album simply called Guru. An epic jazz-groove that really breaks loose after the truly enchanting trumpet kicks in. Passing Maslov's own interpretation of the well known jazz-standards The Masquerade Is Over and Django subsequently bursting loose for the second time with the irresistibly funky Entente, reliving the 70s jazz-funk àla Herbie Hancock. Logically following the climax is the anticlimax of the last track in the form of a long and emotional piano solo.

Before you know it the album is finished, you've had a wonderful time dreaming away, and finally you realize it's because of experiences like this you love listening to music so much.

Say Vegin
7/24/2003

8

GM 3022
Eugene Maslov:
Autumn in New England
Eugene Maslov - born and raised in Russia - musical citizen of the world.

Maslov listened to and absorbed the messages of jazz piano greats Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, Herbie Hancock, Kenny Barron and other jazz masters such as Ella Fitzgerald while growing up in Novotroisk and has responded with his own highly personal vision. With recognition of Maslov's remarkable jazz skills came opportunities to perform at the American Embassy with such musical luminaries as Pearl Bailey, Gary Burton, Pat Metheny, Steve Swallow and Louis Bellson. Maslov then moved to the USA and since has worked with many notables including Grover Washington Jr, Rebecca Paris and Alan Dawson while readying a career as a soloist and trio leader.

This, Maslov's first American recording, finds him in explorations of Evans and the American songbook. His early classical training also steps for with delicious legato lines that spine line gossamer. The bassist and drummer were easy choices for Maslov; they are simply his favorite musicians. Ben Street and George Schuller have routinely set the jazz world on its ear as anchormen of the innovative modern big band Orange Then Blue. In this piano trio setting, they display an empathy that far transcends the usual session date.

Maslov offers vivid, wistful musical reminiscences of both Massachusetts and St Petersburg in the fall and autumn in New England serves as a pastel salute to the possibilities of the piano trio.

Not available.

PERFORMERS
Eugene Maslov, piano
Ben Street, bass
George Schuller, drums

PROGRAM
1. Old Folks (Hill, Robinson) 5:29
2. All of You (Porter) 6:19
3. My Bells (Evans) 5:29
4. I Love You (Porter) 4:14
5. How Deep Is the Ocean (Berlin) 6:27
6. Autumn in New England (Maslov) 7:30
7. Let's Start Smoking Again (Maslov) 5:06
8. Windows (Corea) 6:34
9. Blame It on My Youth (Heyman, Levant) 7:29
10. Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate (Maslov) 4:54
11. A Time for Love (Webster, Mandel) 5:29

Recorded in September 1992 at Signature Sounds in Palmer, Massachusetts.

Produced by Jack Wertheimer

9
Jazz CD Reviews at Beyond Coltrane!

What's New

Eugene Maslov: The Fuse is Lit (Mack Avenue)
Someone heard I liked the Hiromi album and sent me this disc, which is a veritable cornucopia of earthquake piano playing and near-fusion sensibilities. Well, guess what? I love this album, too! Good play. Not only is it an immediate first like, but on multiple spins it holds up! Then Mr. Maslov hits me with a subtle and heartbreaking version of "Django", one of my favorite tunes. I'm a sucker for stuff like that.

The fuse does get lit here, and it burns throughout the entire album. With Boris Koslov on bass and Zappa scholar Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, there is no going wrong for this trio, even when adding the veritable Hubert Laws on flute and Pete Christlieb on tenor sax. Maslov keeps the music happening and happening with fire, right down the line. The sparks keep flying, the mood keeps shifting, but the playing maintains its zero gravity well. I'm listening but I also hear what is happening and I like it. You may like it, too.

10

Jazz Miscellany...
Eugene Maslov, The Fuse Is Lit (2002)

Russian emigré Eugene Maslov has an astonishing command of the piano, playing two-handed runs with perfect clarity at the fastest tempos, bringing unflappable energy but never losing control. He shows the same qualities as a composer, inserting lyrical passages into his most ferocious tunes ("To My Teacher/To My Friend"), and tricky melody lines in funky grooves ("Entente"). Bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta keep right up with him; Hubert Laws adds flute to three tunes, Pete Christlieb adds vigorous sax to two ("Guru"), and Joe LaBarbere replaces Colaiuta on "Sometime, Somewhere, Somehow..." Everything's by Maslov except for John Lewis's Magdison & Wrubel's "The Masquerade Is Over" and an unaccompanied take on Arlen & Mercer's "One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)." Produced by Stix Hooper. (DBW)

13

EUGENE MASLOV

The Fuse Is Lit (Mack Avenue Records)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich


The Fuse Is Lit is a solid jazz album, recorded in 2002, from Maslov, a Russian born pianist now living in the U.S. Featuring six originals and three standards, Maslov displays a deftness of touch, abundant technique, and tasteful improvisational skills. Five of the songs are by Maslov's trio, which includes Boris Kazlov on bass and either Vinnie Colaiuta or Joe LaBarbera on drums. One song adds Hubert Laws on flute. Another two feature the trio, plus Laws on flute and Pete Christlieb on tenor saxophone. The final number is strictly a piano solo.

Maslov's piano playing avoids easy choices and grandstanding. As a result, this recording is quite absorbing. One can hear hints of a Chick Corea influence in Maslov's approach. Of the nine numbers, it is the three standards - "Django," "The Masquerade Is Over," and "One For My Baby (And One For The Road)" where Maslov and his band mates shine. As a result, these are my favorite numbers. Maslov's originals tend more towards the funky side.

As Maslov gets his base order jazz needs met and moves up the Maslovian triangle towards self-actualization, I'm sure there is other eloquent and admirable music ahead for him. For now, The Fuse Is Lit is good jazz. Give it a listen.

© 2003 - Ron Saranich


14

EUGENE MASLOV

The Fuse Is Lit (Mack Avenue Records)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale


It was exposure to Oscar Peterson that turned classically trained pianist Eugene Maslov into a jazzman, and that influence is revealed in the Russian born musician's often decorative style. On The Fuse Is Lit, his third album for Mack Avenue Records, he demonstrates mastery of the classic piano trio, larger combo and solo settings, offering six original compositions and three well crafted covers.

Bassist Boris Kaslov is on all but the closing track, which features Maslov alone, and drum tasks are shared by Vinnie Colaiuta and Joe LaBarbera. Notable guest appearances are made by flautist Herbert Laws and saxophonist Pete Christlieb, and Maslov's ability to attract collaborators of that caliber are a testament to his rising esteem in the jazz world.

As impressive as his work is throughout, his performance with the quintet on the original "Guru" and his solo interpretation of the standard "One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)" are the standout tracks to my ears. Those aren't preferences I'd argue too strongly for, though, because there's not a cut here that I wouldn't happily hear again and again.

Track List:

To My Teacher/To My Friend * Dream Of Dreams * Sometime, Somewhere, Somehow... * Guru * The Witch (Baba-Yaga) * Django * The Masquerade Is Over * Extente * One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)

© 2003 - Shaun Dale

15

"Fuse Is Lit"
Eugene Maslov
Released 2002 by Mack Avenue


AMG Album Review

Born in Russia but long an American, Eugene Maslov is a talented and versatile pianist who is heard at his best throughout this release. Most of the selections feature Maslov in a trio with bassist Boris Kozlov and either Vinnie Colaiuta or Joe LaBarbera on drums. Flutist Hubert Laws is on three songs, two of which also include tenor saxophonist Pete Christlieb, while the closing "One for My Baby" is an unaccompanied piano solo. Both Laws and Christlieb add a lot in their guest appearances, although Maslov is the main star. The music ranges from straight-ahead to a bit funky (particularly "Entente"). Maslov shows off the influence of Chick Corea in spots (especially on the opening "To My Teacher/To My Friend"), displays very impressive technique, and he can certainly swing up a storm. His six originals are all fun to hear, but it is the three standards ("Django," "One for My Baby," and a blazing version of "The Masquerade Is Over") that take honors. Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Songs on this album

1. To My Teacher/To My Friend Track Time: 6:15

2. Dream of Dreams Track Time: 8:04

3. Sometime, Somewhere, Somehow... Track Time: 5:04

4. Guru Track Time: 8:19

5. The Witch (Baba-Yaga) Track Time: 5:55

6. Django Track Time: 4:23

7. The Masquerade Is Over Track Time: 5:20

8. Entente Track Time: 6:47

9. One for My Baby (And One More for the Road) Track Time: 7:46


16

Eugene Maslov Fuse Is Lit

- An energetic jazz CD that certainly follows the kinetic pace that the title implies. It's fast, it moves and it makes you believe that this piano player has grown a few extra limbs. Eugene plays like he's on fire... literally. The degree of speed he shows makes "The Flight of the Bumblebee" sound like a song about a dead insect. The man must be on some sort of drug to play this fast.

Reviewer: Michael new pop