Mark Etheredge - Love Planet (2022)

A few years ago I reviewed the debut album "Connected" by American smooth jazz pianist Mark Etheredge. His new album has become a triumphant tale of resilience, for since his debut Mark became addicted to alcohol, even went bankrupt he had to give up his home in West Hollywood.

He went to live with a friend around the San Francisco Bay, and last year saw his mother slowly die of Alzheimer's. Mark overcame all that, however, living back in West Hollywood, and has been sober for 14 months. He started composing again and now delivers us this beautiful album.

For this, he collaborated again with the Grammy Award winning producer/veteran Paul Brown. In 2019 the single '4resonance' was already released, and last year 'You&Me&We' followed.

It also features 8 new jazzy tracks, including the title track, which is now released on single. Mark also incorporated R&B and Latin rhythms. That title track, by the way, opens this album, and is about both love for your neighbor, and for yourself.

On 'Untethered' he celebrates his victory over alcohol addiction, with the help of guitarist Steve Oliver, and he said: "I literally drank my money away. During the pandemic, I finally accepted that I had a problem with alcohol. I got help. This song expresses my gratitude and joy to be free, one day at a time."

Tenor saxophonist Greg Vail can be heard on 'Groove City', inspired by the rhythms of urban life, then Latin reigns supreme on 'Saucy' with contributions again from Greg Vail, trumpeter Ron King, as well as guitar licks from Paul Brown. 'We'll Make It Through' is about perseverance, something Mark can speak about, while 'Elated' again reflects that elated feeling about his resurrection.

Interpersonal connections and attunement lie at the heart of 'Resonance', about which Mark said, "I think as humans, we all have opportunities to resonate with each other - to be in tune and find peace with each other - if we want it enough."

Inspired by war in Ukraine, Mark wrote his quiet pledge Peace, followed by "You&Me&We," on which Paul Brown can also be heard again. It's another call for a peaceful society, where we have to think not only of ourselves, but also of others. And 'Golden Hour' closes with a remembrance of his late mother, a former music teacher and choir director.

A wonderful album this has become! I am glad that Mark is back and has overcome his problems. After all, we could use some beautiful music like this!