Walking tall

Joyce Scherer

Most young musicians, it seems, go through some kind of rock ‘n’

roll period. From classic rock tunes to head-banging sounds and pulsating

funk, the rhythms of rock are usually tucked somewhere in their early

repertoires.

But not for Costa Mesa resident Eric Marienthal, who started taking

saxophone and clarinet lessons in elementary school. By the time he was

in high school, Marienthal was entrenched in the music of jazz greats

Julian “Cannonball” Adderley, Charlie Parker and Miles Davis.

“I think Cannonball captured my attention in such an incredible way

because of the way he communicated through his music,” the now

42-year-old Marienthal said. “He just had an air of optimism and joy

through his music.”

Adderley, who died in 1975 at age 47, was a popular alto jazz

saxophonist in the 1950s and ‘60s. Noted for his improvisational style,

blues harmonies and combinations of soul and funk, Adderley was

considered by some to be one of the greatest saxophonists in jazz

history.

Marienthal, who saw Adderley perform shortly before his death,

dedicated his 1998 album, “Walk Tall,” to the man who most influenced his

career.

“Cannonball’s inspiration has always been such a major part of my alto

playing, and the idea of doing a recording to pay homage to him had been

on my mind for some time,” Marienthal said. “The basic concept was: How

might Cannonball sound if he were alive today with all the new recording

technology? It wasn’t just his technique, but the great messages of

charity and racial harmony he carried when he played.”

Russ Freeman, founder and leader of the contemporary jazz band The

Rippingtons, said Marienthal’s recent performance with the group in New

York showed off his far-ranging talents.

“I was just super impressed with his musicianship, because Eric can

play alto, soprano and tenor. Most guys try to specialize in one style,

but he has a sweet command of three instruments,” Freeman said.

“Walk Tall” is one of several albums Marienthal has recorded. His

newest project, a yet unnamed contemporary jazz album is to be released

in January. The Peak Record label recording will feature many of his own

tunes and those he has co-written with Rick Braun and Freeman.

But Marienthal has penned more than music.

He is also the author of two instructional books: “Ultimate Jazz

Play-Along Jam with Eric Marienthal” and “Eric Marienthal’s Comprehensive

Jazz Studies & Exercises.” A third book, “The Music of Eric Marienthal:

Solo Transcriptions,” is due out in September.

The musician and father of an 11-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter

is a graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music. He concedes

his career has been pretty amazing, from the beginning.

“After college I auditioned and was chosen to play with the Al Hirt

Band in New Orleans,” Marienthal said. “Al had a great club right on

Bourbon Street. We would play at the club during the week and then on the

weekends play at different clubs throughout the United States. I was like

a kid in a candy shop.”

In 1986, Marienthal was performing at a club in Hollywood when he

looked into the audience and was stunned to see another one of his

heroes, legendary jazz keyboardist Anthony “Chick” Corea.

Unbeknownst to Marienthal, Corea, who was forming his own group, had

come specifically to hear the young saxophonist play. The next day

Marienthal was invited to join Corea’s Elektric Band.

“Meeting Chick turned everything around for me,” Marienthal said. “Two

months later, we were on our way to Rio de Janeiro for the start of my

first tour.”

Since then, Marienthal has never stopped performing. He has toured in

more than 50 countries and been in constant demand as a studio musician.

He has played on hundreds of records with such artists as David Benoit,

Dave Grusin, Billy Joel, Kenny Loggins, Lee Ritenour and Barbra

Streisand.

Marienthal has also found time to give back to his community.

For the last two years, he has gathered his own band and recruited

other musicians to play at the High Hopes Benefit Concert. The event --

recently held at the Hyatt Newporter hotel -- raised about $50,000 for

the Costa Mesa-based nonprofit group that assists people with brain

injuries.

“There is nothing like performing in front of an audience,” he said.

“Through their reaction you can tell what songs are communicated the

best. And, really, that is what our music is all about.”

Radio show host Talaya, of KTWV-FM The Wave (94.7) and emcee of the

High Hopes benefit, said she receives numerous requests for Marienthal’s

music on her 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. program.

“Eric is an angel of an individual and, professionally, a great

musician,” she said. “His style is contemporary, and his performances are

fun and exciting; but he also possesses a ‘truth strength’ in what

straight-ahead jazz is all about.

“It is nice to know someone who loves the legends and understands

their music,” Talaya added.

Marienthal, who formed his own band about six years ago, says the

group plays across the United States and in Europe. Local fans may hear

Marienthal when he performs at the Coach House on Sept. 28 in San Juan

Capistrano.

“I fully realize that music is what I am doing, and anything else is

not an option for me,” he said, reflecting on his career. “It is just

like my father told me: ‘If you love what you do, that is God’s gift to

you. Just don’t look back but keep on pushing.’”