October 3rd, 2008
Wow this show was LIVE! We opened up for Brian with a lot of backstage drama preceding. Prior to the curtains opening our sound was not working. We had no stage monitors so we could not hear anything on stage. That is a BIG problem! My sound man worked and worked. I am so glad that I hired him. He works at my church and “That little voice” you know, the spirit that you hear in those quite moments told me that I needed him. If I had not have had him it would have been a rough time.
But we did great! 5 mins before the curtains opened we got it working, did a quick check and were in the middle of prayer when the curtains opened up. We ran back to our instruments and started playing. We had 7 songs planned. Each song got a huge crowd response! At the end of song 6, “Fantasy” by Earth Wind and Fire, I was getting ready to introduce the band before my final song “Free” the hit single, when the curtains started to close!
So I said “Thank You Orlando” and was taking a bow when the people on the front row started yelling at me. I couldn’t hear anything because of the applause, and again the curtains were closing. So I got off stage and while we were giving each other high fives my business manager ran up to me and told me what the yelling was about: No one introduced me before the show, I didn’t announce myself during the show, I didn’t have the chance to introduce the band, so many people had NO IDEA who I was!
Can you imagine that? All that applause, and everyone was like “Wow he was phenomenal, who was he?”
A definite learning experience. Meanwhile Brian Culbertson put on the most exciting Jazz show that I have seen since David Sanborn was touring with “Chicago Song” as the new hit single. Brian was was all over the stage playing his first instrument, the trombone. Did you know that? As well as his most popular cuts on keys. His band was all over the stage with him doing dance routines along with playing some of the best Funk that I have heard since I saw Waymon Tisdale doing his medley in his show last year. If you see this show on the schedule near you, my advice to you is DROP EVERYTHING and go!
Erly
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August 25th, 2008
“My Life” is a contemporary jazz/soul album that features the outstanding saxophone work of Erly Thornton. The sound is one that is difficult to put a label on. There are great elements present from many different genres, although smooth jazz is probably the most predominant. The musicianship is superior on this album and the arrangements are unique and intelligent. There is a constant upbeat, yet smooth vibe to all of the songs. All of the instruments are well represented, meaning you can hear everything.
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August 11th, 2008
Check out this excellently produced concert video on Smooth Jazz WLOQ TV! This was produced at my last major concert on July 26th here in Orlando. It features an interview and some special shots of the performance:
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June 9th, 2008
Scott O’Brien, Smooth Jazz.com—May 2008
“Wow! What a great debut solo album from Orlando-based sax man Erly Thornton! Truly an impressive collection of urban flavored Smooth Jazz, and I’m hearing hit after hit. All the right elements are working for it, from tasty originals to well-chosen covers (EW&F’s “Fantasy,” Rose Royce’s “Wishing on a Star” and Robin Thicke’s “Lost without You”) all brilliantly performed and impeccably produced. This is top drawer, first class stuff, and you’ll be as impressed as I am when you start hearing tunes from this disc on SmoothJazz.com and tons of other stations. Erly says it’s “the culmination of my life’s work as a musician… I truly believe that the work… stands on par with the best the industry has to offer.” I will confidently add my prediction that this release will easily establish Mr. Thornton’s credentials for the future. MY LIFE is that good! Why do I speak so confidently on Erly Thornton’s behalf? Because, I listen to a lot of new music on a weekly basis. While most of it is quite good, every once in awhile something comes along that blows me away… something that is several notches above the rest. Trust me on this one, MY LIFE from Erly Thornton is just such a project. Expect him to be a household name in the world of Smooth Jazz sooner, not later!”
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June 9th, 2008
Yvonne Coleman, Smooth Jazz 103.1 WLOQ—March 2008
“This rising star has performed with and been the opening act for superstars like Phil Perry, Glenn Jones, Howard Hewitt, the Rippingtons, Spyro Gyro and many more. NOW it’s Erly’s time to take center stage. “My Life” serves up a nice blend of Smooth Jazz mixed with a twist of R & B and sprinkled with infectious Latin rhythms. With the release of his newest CD you are taken a musical journey that wets your appetite right from the start. You’ll have to take a pause after hearing the first two tracks “Free” and “Mura de Cozumel”, so that you can call your friends to tell them there is some new music that they definitely have got to check out. Light the candles and let “Turn Off The Lights” make an unforgettable night. This 12 track release lets you experience some nice interpretations of great cover tunes like “Fantasy” and “Wishing on A Star and “Lost Without U”. If you’re looking for a smooth ride, “E-Class” puts you on cruise control for a trip that you won’t forget. Hat’s off to the band and vocalists that make this release well worth listening to. Enjoy all that “My Life” has to offer from an artist who is a wonderful person dedicated not only to his music, but his family and friends as well. “
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June 9th, 2008
Thanks for listening! I invite everyone to post reviews of the CD here for all the world to see!
Thanks So Much! -Erly
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