Sought after arranger and session musician, Ed Roth, is breaking out on his own with the release of a debut self-titled album, joined by many of his jazz contemporaries.
Playing acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes, and Hammond B3 organ, Ed Roth creates musical stories that stick with you. The soulful, lyrical melodies sit on top of organic grooves, utilizing the warmth of vintage 70's R&B. Roth, a L.A. based arranger and session keyboard player, has recorded with artists ranging all the way from Coolio to Rob Halford to Tom Morello. He is a featured member of both the Bombastic Meatbats featuring Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith (Top 10 iTunes Jazz and Top 25 Billboard Jazz charts), CTA with ex-Chicago founder/drummer Danny Seraphine, and co-producer of Kristine W's #1 iTunes jazz single, “What I Like About You.”
“Music needs to make the world a more beautiful place, but sometimes it's gotta have some fire to it as well,” says Roth. Nicknamed “the Wrench” by his friend Chad Smith for his strong personality, Roth holds nothing back with his music either. His songs emote lasting melodies and his solos speak to the listener like a short story. “Because there are no lyrics to hold on to, the melody has to be twice as strong,” says Roth.
The debut album, “Ed Roth,” is full of funky instrumental songs, some all about beauty, and plenty with an edge, but all contain a strong melody and groove. Along with the original songs, there are inspired, re-harmonized covers from many genres; from the Booker T meets Eddie Palmieri - salsa meets funk- version of “Tequila,” to the Isley Bros meets Steely Dan version of Ambrosia's, “Biggest Part of Me.”
Growing up in a home where only Brazilian and classical music were allowed, the Washington D.C. native built his love for R&B staying up late listening to Howard University's radio station on headphones, after his parents went to sleep. Roth developed a commitment to the 'groove' that comes from years of playing with the likes of Coolio, the Brothers Johnson, and Mya. As Sophie B. Hawkins Music Director, Roth developed a deeper love of melodies and great songs. But, he can also perform the excitement of rock music from years of playing and recording with artists including Glenn Hughes, Ronnie Montrose, Rob Halford, and Chris Impellitterri.
Ed Roth's debut features a who's who of musicians, including Chad Smith who mans the drums for the majority of the recordings. Also featured on drums are Danny Seraphine and Kenny Aronoff (John Cougar). Other stand-out players include percussionists Rock Deadrick (Ziggy Marley) and Cassio Duarte (Lee Ritenour), horn players Jimmy Roberts (Rod Stewart), Chris Mostert (the Eagles), Mitch Manker (Ray Charles), and Jim Wheeler, bassists Phil Chen (Rod Stewart), Andrew Ford (Whitney Houston), Ric Fierabracci, Les King, Jesse Stern, Dan Pearson, and guitarists Linda Taylor (Tracy Chapman), Joe Calderon (Billy Childs), Ricky Z (Josh Groban), and fretless virtuoso, Ned Evett.
The first single from the album was a cover of the George Gershwin classic, “Summertime,” in honor of the 75 anniversary of Gershwin's passing. Roth felt driven to honor the impact that his music had on him while he was coming up. “Gershwin's music was about deep, beautiful melodies built on a foundation of adult chords,” noted Roth. “His music combined a mixture of tension and dissonance with memorable, soulful lines that speak a special language that everyone can feel, now and forever.” “Summertime” was most- added in it's first three week's of release and spent 8 weeks as a Top 40 single at Billboard Smooth Jazz stations.
Following up on his debut single, “Summertime,” Roth delivered a fresh, updated sound to the Ambrosia #1 hit, “Biggest Part Of Me” (debuting #3 most added nationally at Billboard Smooth Jazz stations). “I wanted to take this great David Pack song, flip it, and create something new, while staying true to it's essence,” noted Roth. We added live horns at the last minute and the track took on a life of it's own.”
Ed Roth's debut album is rounded out with horn arrangements by six-time Emmy winner Peter Fish, engineering by Grammy winner Ryan Hewitt, and is co-produced by Roth and Warrior Records' President, Jim Ervin.
