Neil Adler: Emi’s Song

SELF PRODUCED (RECORDED FEBRUARY 2024)

Unlike two recent harmonica releases reviewed on this site — Gary Weinstein’s HarmoniMonk and Yvonne Prene’s Jobim’s World — harmonica and piano player Neil Adler chose originals and standards for Emi’s Song. The other difference between the three releases is that Adler plays both harmonica and piano on this set of 12 tunes. As a harmonic player, Adler’s Toots-inspired playing is most effective on ballads such as Jimmy Rowles’ “The Peacocks” and his “Tenderly/That’s All” medley, rather than the fast-paced and short-lived take (a minute and a half in length) on Charlie Parker’s “Donna Lee.” Adler sticks fairly close to the melodies on these selections but rarely stretches out to truly showcase his improvisational skills on the instrument. He does demonstrate his improvisational prowess when he steps away from the harmonica for piano and electric piano solos on Oliver Nelson’s “Yearnin’,” Herbie Hancock’s “Tell Me A Bedtime Story” and originals such as “Emi’s Song” and “Blues for McCoy.” As a piano player, Adler’s classical background is best suited for his short medley of Bill Evans tunes, the introduction to “Besame Mucho” and Roland Hanna’s “Century Rag.” Adler may have achieved his goal with this unrehearsed live session — to reflect on his diverse influences and deep musical roots — but it’s that diversity that may have diluted the overall impact of Emi’s Song.

BOTTOM LINE: Emi’s Song showed promise with its wonderful selection of tunes and a solid rhythm section of Jeff Buenz on bass, Akira Tana on drums and Carlitos Medrano on congas, but it simply did not full live up to the accolade Toots Thielemans once bestowed on Adler for his piano improvisation and harmonica tone.