Accolade Highlights

Jeff Krow, Audiophile Audition
The choice of tracks for this CD is a mixture of band member compositions along with the Strayhorn staple Lotus Blossom and Wayne Shorter's Big Push. The playing is largely ensemble based with the leader generously allotting time to Willis and Davis. This is most evident on To Wisdom the Prize, Parakeet Lovesong, and Iron Willis. The leader does have his own features, however, as his alto takes the main focus on the ballad, Everything I Have Is Yours and Julian's Pencil, which is dedicated to Matt's five year old son. The latter track also has a nice solo by Steve Davis. Not to be ignored is Larry Willis, for whom Davis penned Iron Willis. Willis has many CDs of his own (including several on the Mapleshade label), yet always finds time to mentor young musicians. He has picked a fine musician in Criscuolo. Keep an eye out for Matt. Let's hope it's not two years till his next release.

Jack Bowers, Cadence Magazine
If a musician can be measured by the company he keeps, Criscuolo forthwith earns respect, as he is in the company of a number of world class players, especially pianist Larry Willis and trombonist Steve Davis, with bassist Phil Bowler, drummer Eric McPherson and percussionist Ray Mantilla on the plane as well. Criscuolo is self assured and technically solid, with a cool, etheral sound that reminds me of someone akin to James Moody or Lou Donaldson. He's an engaging soloist. His music pretty much speaks for itself in a warm and well-modulated voice.

Michael Handler, Jazz Now
It's always nice to make a new discovery, and in this case, that discovery is alto sax player Matt Criscuolo. His second CD, Lotus Blossom, is a thoughtful and very pretty offering, full of promise for the young player, mixed with great playing from the veterans in the band. Those veterans include the great Larry Willis on piano, Steve Davis on trombone, Phil Bowler on bass, Eric McPherson on drums, and Ray Mantilla on percussion-and it's always good to hear Ray Mantilla. The CD starts with a ballad, the title track "Lotus Blossom" by Billy Strayhorn, which sets a nice tone for the rest of the date. Pianist/composer Larry Willis contributes "To Wisdom the Prize," a mid-tempo Latin-tinged affair that nicely blends the sound of the sax and trombone. It also makes me want to get out the bongos. Criscuolo himself wrote three tunes for the CD, and Steve Davis two. It's very much an entire-group effort, and the playing reflects that. Wayne Shorter is also represented with "The Big Push." The ballads on the CD are very pretty indeed. The title track as mentioned above, "Everything I Have Is You" by B. Lane, and Criscuolo's "Song for Kerry" all take their time and allow the musicians to really feel the music. We feel it too, and this CD shows promise and maturity from this young New York cat.

David Dupont, One Final Note
He has developed a distinctive tone, open and woody. He assays stolid bebop solos that show a sure command of the received vocabulary.

David B. Wilson, Wilson and Alroy Record Reviews
4 stars out of 5
If it sometimes seems that everyone in jazz either plays fiery hard bop or wimpy elevator music, here's something in between. Bronx-bred alto saxophonist Criscuolo knows the difference between mellow and mushy, and he completely avoids the latter no matter how slow the tempo gets. From the opening Billy Strayhorn tune (title track), the mood is gentle but firm, never overdone. The rest of the band - Larry Willis (piano), Steve Davis (trombone), Phil Bowler (bass), Eric McPherson (drums) and Ray Mantilla (percussion) - is down with the program, eschewing overplaying without falling victim to timidity. Willis is the most prominent soloist apart from the leader, and he delivers (the standard "Everything I Have Is Yours"), so that the most stretched-out numbers never seem too long ("Julian's Pencil"). Most of the tunes are originals, and they're striking, whether they're brisk ("To Wisdom The Prize"; "The Big Push," with an offhanded melodicism that makes it sound like a standard) or laid-back ("Song For Kerry").


Karl Stober, Jazzreview
After all is said and done and the day is fulfilled, it’s the tones of sound that offer closure to
that lasting emotion. For this is what occurs jazz is allowed to embrace the atmosphere orchestrated
by a talented and creative source. With the release of Lotus Blossom in 2005, the second effort by
one Matt Criscuolo, the above happening is what evolves. Mr. Criscuolo allows his sax driven tones to
filter through one’s life enhancing those listeners’ moments with each spin. Lotus Blossom is again a
fine effort and a well-designed effort in jazz.

Classic tones from all directions are provoked through the effort. Energized by some very talented
intellects this ensemble tends to accompany the Criscuolo sax from all angles. This also tends not
to be a sole sax sounding effort as all instruments have their moments and individual statements
throughout. However they all deserve marquees, as one standout is the ivory work of Larry Willis,
a piano with personality is hard to come by but delivered on this stage.

On that note, “Everything I Have Is Yours” is a perfect example of the piano personality with a delicate
yet determined intro. The Criscuolo sax then with sensual style enters the room and fetches in all who
dare to listen and feel. A fine piece for that time when the shades are drawn and the moonlight exposes
itself. The listener will also note the Ray Mantilla percussion, hinting its binding importance to the success
of the cut.

Treat yourself to a Criscuolo original labeled “Julian’s Pencil”, as sounds come from all angles with
discipline keeping together. The hot tempo of the sax offers different tones and Eric McPherson taking his
skins on the same ride, allows for a entertaining arrangement.

Seize this effort into your collection and let it blend in to your jazz ensemble. With this production I can
visualize much more as Criscuolo leaps from level to level with this cast by his side. Lotus Blossom has the
appeal, personality, and creative juices within to make any level of jazz fan take notice. Nice Job!

Joshua Musselwhite, Jazz Improv.
"Alto saxophonist Matt Criscuolo's tone is full and thick, morphing on demand.
In quiet passages, he often softens it, perhaps resembling Phil Woods. In
full-swinging, go-get 'em passages, he often beefs it up adding a bit more
guff, comparable to Kenny Garrett.

Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz
"Three tunes are Criscuolo-penned. He proves himself a mature songwriter,
an artist with a finely focused vision, which is rare for someone on just his
second recording. That vision carries through the entire set. One highlight
is the Criscuolo-penned “Julian's Pencil,” a stretched-out, churning,
free-flowing romp full of lively soloing."

"An excellent straightahead set with a progressive feeling."

Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide
3 1/2 Stars out of 5
"A nice sophomore album from Matt Criscuolo, The performances by Criscuolo are very well crafted. "

Michael James, Smooth Jazz and More
3 1/2 stars out of 4
His second CD gives jazz purists something to talk about. Criscuolo has
a sax style much like the late great John Coltrane, smooth and tight.
Hardly misses a beat. The same can be said for his supporting band.
The track, "Spirit Waltz" starts out with a great drum solo by Eric McPherson.
Trombonist Steve Davis has a great solo on the track, "Parakeet Lovesong".
I really enjoy a nice traditional Jazz CD once in a while and this is one CD I
can recommend to anyone who enjoys Jazz.

Aaron Fensterheim, Award Winning Jazz Radio Producer/Announcer
The four year wait while a long time was well worth it. Great writing and
greater playing by all concerned. Interplay with Larry Willis is just a
gem. All original tunes except for the opening track which is a Billy
Strayhorn composition. Don't wait so long for next release.

John Gilbert, Ejazznews
4 Stars out of 5
A very together septet makes this ensemble as tight as King Richard's
hatband. Consisting mostly of ballads and a couple of jaunty tunes
(which are stand outs), this album is as cool as a South Beach cocktail.

"Everything I have Is Yours" features the alto sax of Criscuolo as he
gets delightfully low and slow, draining the bottom out of every note,
he interprets this classic beautifully. The drum work of Ed McPherson is
a case study in how brushes should be played... with no fuss or clutter.

"Iron Willis" The initial call and answer between the leader's alto and
the trombone is followed by Steve Davis's tasty 'bone solo. Larry Willis
at the piano gets after this tune with some interesting changes and cool
ideation. This tune is truly the hallmark of this recording.

Ferdinand Maylin, Jazz Now
A nicely breathless and vulnerable opening to the title track by Billy
Strayhorn, played by the saxophone of Matt Crisuolo. "Song for Kerry" is
melodic and sensitive, sending the sax of Crisuolo exploring, he is often
able to create a frail sound but is more full bodied in this piece; my favorite track.

Nicholas Sheffo, Fulvue Drive-In
Music - B
Alto Saxophone is strongly associated with Jazz, so Matt Criscuolo is ahead
of the game in genre credibility. Lotus Blossom is his new CD and to be honest,
this is some really good music. All the tracks are rich in the layers of played
instruments from guest musicians accompanying Criscuolo, which just makes
the music a pleasure to hear.

Dick Crockett, The Voice 88.7, Sacramento, CA.
This fine LOTUS BLOSSOM is well crafted hard bop and Matt Criscuolo with an
assemblage of top musicians makes it special!

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