Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Ben Schachter - EnTranement (2017)


EnTranement is the new release from Philadelphia “underground jazz heavy” Ben Schachter.
Ben’s new band QuadraPhilya features the legendary John Swana on Electronic Valve Instrument, and two of the most compelling younger voices in jazz - Leon Boykins on bass and Matt Scarano on drums. Acclaimed pianist Bruce Barth guests on the title track. The recording is an homage to the great John Coltrane, yet is fresh and unique in sound and presentation.

Ben Schachter is a powerful and original saxophonist and composer who has recorded and performed with Tim Hagans, Conrad Herwig, John Zorn, Gary Bartz, Sam Rivers, Dave Holland, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Kurt Rosenwinkel, George Garzone, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, James Genus, Jef Lee Johnson, etc., etc. He has been awarded grants from the American Composers Forum, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and the Pew Fellowships in the Arts, and has been cited in Phialdelphia press as "Best Jazz Artist" and "Best Saxophonist". EnTranement is Ben’s seventh release as a leader, and the first from new band QuadraPhilya. (A second QuadraPhilya release is scheduled for Fall 2017.) Ben is also a dedicated educator, having taught at Berklee College of Music, The University of the Arts, and numerous other colleges. He is currently an Assistant Professor in Temple University's renowned Jazz Studies department.



About Ben Schachter...

“...the power of...Dave Holland...or Steve Coleman...the authority of Joe Lovano...”
Jason Bivins, Cadence

“...Schachter fired up his heavy tenor to display some serious monster chops...he could be 
king of the mountain.”
Ken Weiss, Cadence

“...advanced harmonic capabilities and fluid, sure-fire rhythmic drive....a personal and
present-tense sound.” 
Nate Chinen, Philadelphia CityPaper

“...Schachter writes peppery tunes that tapdance on the subconscious before his searing
saxophone takes over to blow down the house.”
Karl Stark, Philadelphia Inquirer

“...a highly personalized style...beautifully arranged interludes offset by passages of
boundless improvising...something special is happening here.”
Michael Mellia, JazzImprov

“...has a fire in his soul that he vents through angular, topsy-turvy modified bop 
explosions.”
Brian Howard, Philadelphia CityPaper

“…plays with a tone like a fine carving knife - buffed and burnished and sharpened to a fine 
edge.”
David Dupont, All Music Guide


01. Lush Life (Excerpt) 1:26
02. Countdown 4:12
03. Entranement 8:25
04. Welcome 3:54
05. Three Tiers 7:02
06. Homebody 6:52
07. Body and Soul 4:37
08. Epistrophy 4:48
09. Satellite 5:14
10. Leavin' Country 9:57