Album of the Month: ERIC COMSTOCK, Young Man of Manhattan

I love Eric and I think that although he has a legion of fans, he’s really underrated. He has a warm, witty relationship with his audiences. His playing creates a dialogue between him, the piano and the people watching and listening. He understands the Great American Songbook better than most singer/performers. I think he’s the best of the jazz/cabaret performers. Eric gives out humorous tidbits on songs and songwriters which only adds another layer to he excellent playing. And even if he’s not singing but just playing, he’s on the top of the hierarchy of great jazz pianists. Others show off. Not Eric. His pianist skills are subtle but deep and he’s not just playing to please himself. He includes the audience with every note he plays. His unerring sense of of rhythm and bountiful invention creates a unique environment — be it in the intimacy of New York’s fabled Birdland or in a grander space. Either way, audiences feel like participants in the revelry. And that’s why we feel blessed to have him on the Harbinger label. Oh, one other thing: His wife and cohort, Barbara Fasano, is a bonus when they play together. She’s terrific, too.