Saxophonist Eric Marienthal brings his infectious groove to yet another release entitled Just Around The Corner.  These ten new songs are sure to make fans happy while adding more converts to his music.  The feel is upbeat, happy, and just fun to listen to.  Marienthal chooses a different direction this time out teaming up with composer/keyboardist Stephen Lu, Brian Culbertson and Jeff Lorber.  As a result, the sound is less organic than his 2005 release of cover songs aptly named Got You Covered.  This one definitely has more of a pop instrumental sound to it.

The one you’re hearing and tapping your feet to is the first song as well as the first release called “Blue Water.”  It has that Culbertson influenced feel to it with it’s opening chill giving way to Marienthal’s sax.  The fun part of the whole song is the two playing off each other before heading into that chorus you’re so familiar with by now.  Culbertson’s solo brings it all full circle as they finish out this fun one together.  Lu co-writes while adding keys and programming to a funky number called “Times Square.”  Marienthal’s layered sax continues to shine with another hook-infested goody you’ll be humming for a while.  “Flower Child” is a little more laid back in its approach.  The keys add a nice backdrop for Marienthal’s soprano.

“Open Road” picks it up again with another one co-written by Culbertson.  They bring in Ray Parker Jr. to add spice with his guitar to a tune that already sizzles.  The soaring chorus is accented with both artists as they finish this one on a high note.  “21 Ocean Front” has a very soulful feel to it.  Its driving beat is a contrast to the rich sounds from Marienthal.  The title track has to be one of my favorites (yes, it is difficult to choose).  It’s one of those songs that moves along nicely with a four-note intro into the chorus that everyone loves.  Marienthal’s sax is a perfect fit for this one, and you can tell he enjoys what he’s doing here.  “I Believe In You” comes from the heart with each note carefully penned to capture the moment.  This one is written by Culbertson, Lu and Marienthal and you feel all three’s presence as this one’s laid out before you.

Of course, “Dance With Me” would have to be an upbeat number perfect for hitting the dance floor.  It has a cool bass line that I’m sure you’ll like along with the energetic sounds of Eric’s sax.  The chorus soars and makes everyone want to shuffle their feet to another one written by the previous three writers.  “Lost Without You” is a beautiful ballad that closes the disc with influences of Culberstson’s keys and Eric’s soprano.  It really is a nice way to finish this awesome piece of work.
Eric Marienthal continues to grow as a musician and his discs get just a little bit better with each release.  He has teamed up with some very talented people who are both musicians as well as writers and that’s always good.  I would highly recommend this one, because you never know what’s Just Around The Corner.

- Harvey Cline