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Martin Eagle

Martin Eagle formed the avant garde New Jazz Trio in Los Angeles at a time when the "free jazz" approach of Ornette Coleman was just making itself heard in New York. During this period he also performed with noted multi-saxophonist Rahsaan Roland Kirk and bassist Charlie Hayden. Returning to New York, he joined trumpeter Don Ellis' Orchestra and soon formed his own trio with bassist David Izenzon and drummer Charles Moffett, a rhythm section he shared with Ornette. This period also included a Carnegie Recital Hall concert and a performance in the first New York Avant Garde Jazz Festival with Izenzon and drummer Paul Motian. During this avant garde era, Martin was somewhat unique in maintaining a strong tonal core.

After a number of years, his compositional range expanded to include the "pop" market and Martin had songs recorded by a variety of artists, as well as becoming Musical Director for Mama Cass Elliot and Bobby Hatfield of The Righteous Brothers. Returning to his jazz roots, Martin first formed the band Cool Shooz in 1996, which appeared in club and concert venues throughout the Triangle area of North Carolina. Martin's recent compositions expand the aesthetic of that band and feature lyrical melodies and unique, sensual harmonic development, an approach which reflects his avant garde history, as well as a respect for the American song form and a love of the standards which have been the basis of the jazz repertoire.

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"Excellent stuff, as good as any jazz originals I hear." Claus Ogerman

"Enjoyed [it] very much." Steve Swallow and Carla Bley.

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Tomorrow

Hawksnest Music
2009

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