Eric Marienthal
Eric Marienthal (born December 19, 1957) is an American contemporary jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger, vocalist, and educator renowned for his work in jazz fusion and smooth jazz genres.[1][2] Best known as a longtime member of Chick Corea's Elektric Band from 1986 to 1996, during which he contributed to six Grammy-nominated albums, Marienthal has also built a prolific solo career with fifteen studio albums, several of which topped contemporary jazz radio charts.[3][2] Born in Sacramento, California, Marienthal began playing saxophone in fifth grade and later graduated from high school in Southern California in 1976 before studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he earned the highest proficiency rating under instructor Joe Viola and later received the Berklee Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1995.[1][2][3] After moving to Los Angeles in 1980, he launched his professional career, initially performing with Al Hirt's band and the Disneyland Band, before joining Chick Corea, which propelled him to international prominence through extensive touring and recordings.[4][2] A seven-time Grammy nominee as of November 2025, including for his 2023 collaborative album Double Dealin' with trumpeter Randy Brecker, Marienthal has recorded on hundreds of projects, including sessions with artists such as Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Barbra Streisand, Lee Ritenour, and Dave Grusin.[5][2][4] Beyond performing, Marienthal has performed in over 75 countries, served as music director for Jazz Cruises programs, and raised more than $2 million for the High Hopes charity through annual benefit concerts over 25 years.[2] He also operates an online saxophone school via ArtistWorks since 2015, offering over 200 video lessons, and has authored three instructional books and videos published by Alfred Music.[2][6] His discography includes landmark solo releases like Oasis (1991), which reached the top five on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart, and he has been voted "Favorite Alto Sax Player" in Jazziz Magazine's Reader's Poll.[4][2]Early Years
Childhood and Musical Beginnings
Eric Marienthal was born on December 19, 1957, in Sacramento, California.[3] His family relocated to San Mateo when he was two years old, where he spent much of his early childhood.[7] Marienthal's father played a significant role in fostering his interest in music, as a fan of 1940s and 1950s artists including Boots Randolph, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra, creating an early musical environment at home despite no professional background in the field.[8] Marienthal's own musical journey began in elementary school, where he initially learned guitar before discovering the saxophone. In fourth grade, during a school assembly, he selected the saxophone because "it looked pretty cool," joining the school band shortly thereafter.[7] A teacher recognized his potential early on, encouraging him with the comment that he would be good at it. Impressed by his rapid progress, his father purchased a Selmer saxophone for him and supported his continued development through school music programs.[8] Marienthal attended Corona del Mar High School in Newport Beach, California, where his father enrolled him to further his musical education. There, he expanded his skills by learning flute and clarinet alongside saxophone, participating in band activities that honed his foundational techniques. His initial exposure to jazz came through local Southern California scenes, including trips to Disneyland during high school to hear big bands, which sparked his interest in improvisational styles influenced by legends like Cannonball Adderley and Charlie Parker.[9][10]Education and Early Influences
Following his high school graduation in Southern California in 1976, Eric Marienthal enrolled at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he immersed himself in rigorous musical training.[2] There, he focused on saxophone performance, studying under the renowned instructor Joe Viola, who emphasized technical mastery and expressive phrasing essential to jazz improvisation.[4] Marienthal's coursework at Berklee also exposed him to collaborative ensemble playing, allowing him to refine his improvisational skills through daily interactions with diverse musicians from around the world.[11] By the time he graduated in 1979, Marienthal had earned the highest proficiency rating awarded by the institution, a testament to his exceptional dedication and talent on the saxophone.[2] This achievement underscored his rapid development during those years, building on the foundational interest in saxophone he had discovered as a child. During his studies, Marienthal drew significant inspiration from pioneering jazz saxophonists, particularly Charlie Parker and Cannonball Adderley, whose bebop innovations and soulful hard bop lines profoundly influenced his emerging style and genre interests.[12] In 1980, shortly after leaving Berklee, Marienthal relocated to Los Angeles to pursue opportunities in the vibrant West Coast music scene, marking the start of his initial gigging experiences.[2] He began performing in local venues and ensembles, gaining practical exposure that bridged his academic training with real-world application and helped solidify his technical prowess in live settings.[13]Professional Career
Breakthrough with Chick Corea
Eric Marienthal joined the Chick Corea Elektric Band in 1986 after Chick Corea observed him performing at an Orange County club with keyboardist John Novello, leading to his immediate recruitment for the newly formed jazz fusion ensemble.[3] During his tenure from 1986 to 1996, Marienthal contributed to six albums with the band, showcasing his alto saxophone prowess in the high-energy fusion context, including the releases Light Years (1987) and Eye of the Beholder (1988).[2][14] The Elektric Band undertook extensive world tours during this period, performing across continents and elevating Marienthal's visibility on the international jazz scene through dynamic live shows that highlighted the group's intricate interplay.[3] Marienthal's Berklee College of Music training equipped him to navigate the technical demands of the fusion genre, particularly the shift to electric instrumentation, which required adapting his acoustic roots to amplified, rhythmically complex settings that felt like "another universe" but which he mastered seamlessly.[3][11]Key Collaborations and Bands
Following his tenure with Chick Corea Elektric Band, Eric Marienthal established himself as a prominent figure in contemporary jazz ensembles through long-term commitments to high-profile groups. In the early 2000s, he began collaborating with Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band, initially as a guest artist on their debut album before becoming lead alto saxophonist, a role he has maintained for over two decades, contributing to the band's dynamic fusion of big band swing, jazz, and pop elements.[15] The ensemble has toured extensively, performing in more than 80 countries and appearing on numerous recordings, film soundtracks, and television shows, showcasing Marienthal's versatile phrasing and improvisational flair within the band's high-energy arrangements.[15] Marienthal also became a key member of the revived Jeff Lorber Fusion in the early 2010s, participating in several albums that blended jazz fusion with electronic and funk influences. Notable among these is the 2012 release Now Is the Time, where his soprano and alto saxophone lines complemented Lorber's keyboard work, highlighting the group's rhythmic precision and melodic accessibility.[16] He recorded two Grammy-nominated albums with the Fusion, underscoring his integral role in elevating the band's contemporary sound.[16] Beyond these core groups, Marienthal has engaged in significant collaborations with other jazz luminaries and ensembles. He contributed flute and saxophone solos to the GRP All-Star Big Band's recordings in the late 1980s and 1990s, including the 1995 album All Blues, where his performances on standards like "All Blues" added a smooth, modern edge to the big band's interpretations of classic repertoire.[17] More recently, he has shared stages with saxophonist Boney James in live settings, including electrifying dual saxophone performances that emphasize their shared smooth jazz sensibilities.[18] A cornerstone of Marienthal's collaborative efforts is his annual fundraiser for the High Hopes Head Injury Program, which he founded in 1999 to support brain injury recovery services in Orange County, California. These summer concerts, featuring rotating lineups of jazz artists, have raised over $2 million for the nonprofit through ticket sales and donations.[19] The 2025 edition, the 26th annual event, sold out at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, drawing a capacity crowd for performances that blend entertainment with philanthropy.[20]Solo Work and Recent Projects
In the early 1990s, Eric Marienthal signed with GRP Records and released his debut solo album, Oasis, in 1991, which featured collaborations with musicians like Jeff Lorber and showcased his smooth jazz style on alto saxophone. Marienthal continued his solo career with notable releases, including It's Love in 2012 on eOne Music, a collection of jazz standards and originals that highlighted his interpretive depth.[21] In 2015, he partnered with guitarist Chuck Loeb for Bridges on Shanachie Entertainment, blending acoustic and electric elements across ten tracks to explore rhythmic and melodic interplay.[22] Another significant co-led project came in 2020 with trumpeter Randy Brecker on Double Dealin', also via Shanachie, where the duo fused bebop influences with contemporary grooves on originals like "Fast Lane."[23] More recently, Marienthal contributed to the single "Summertime" in May 2024, a collaborative rendition with Törkypojat and Osmo Ikonen that reimagined the Gershwin classic in a modern jazz context. He also featured as a guest soloist on the Cassio Vianna Jazz Orchestra's album Vida, released in January 2025, providing alto saxophone on the track "Tocando a Vida" within a big band framework of original compositions.[24] Beyond recordings, Marienthal launched an online saxophone school through ArtistWorks, offering video lessons on fundamentals, improvisation, and advanced techniques to students worldwide.[25] In 2025, he was appointed Music Director for Jazz Cruises, LLC, overseeing events like the Botti at Sea cruise, where he curates performances and leads the house band alongside artists such as Sullivan Fortner and Wycliffe Gordon.[26]Musical Contributions
Style and Technique
Eric Marienthal demonstrates remarkable versatility as a saxophonist, proficient on both alto and soprano saxophones, where he emphasizes melodic phrasing and improvisation to adapt seamlessly across jazz fusion, smooth jazz, and pop contexts. His playing on the alto saxophone forms the core of his sound, comprising approximately 50% of his performances, while the soprano saxophone accounts for about 30%, allowing him to explore brighter, more agile lines in ensemble settings. This dual proficiency enables him to craft lyrical melodies that blend emotional depth with technical agility, often drawing on his Berklee College of Music training under Joe Viola to maintain a foundation in jazz fundamentals.[27][2] Marienthal's style fuses bebop roots with contemporary smooth jazz, creating a distinctive approach that balances intricate harmonic navigation with accessible, groove-oriented expressions. Influenced by his early immersion in jazz education, he integrates bebop's rhythmic complexity and improvisational freedom into fusion frameworks, evident in his ability to construct solos that evolve organically while adhering to song structures. This synthesis allows him to transition fluidly between high-energy ensemble interplay and introspective melodic statements, showcasing a unique musical language through innovative note treatment and phrasing.[2][28] Technically, Marienthal is renowned for his rapid altissimo playing and rhythmic precision, particularly in electric band settings where he employs controlled breath support and embouchure adjustments to achieve clear, piercing high notes without strain. His altissimo technique, achieved through a balanced 60% breath pressure to 40% lip force ratio, enables extended upper-register improvisation that adds intensity to fusion tracks. In rhythmic contexts, he uses muted tonguing and precise articulation to enhance groove, ensuring his lines lock tightly with electric rhythms while preserving melodic intent. These hallmarks underscore his command of the saxophone as both a lead and supportive instrument.[28] Over his career, Marienthal's style has evolved from the high-energy fusion of the 1980s, characterized by aggressive bebop-infused solos in electric ensembles, to a more lyrical smooth jazz orientation in the 2000s and beyond, prioritizing melodic accessibility and emotional resonance. This shift reflects broader genre trends while retaining his core improvisational prowess, as seen in his ability to adapt bebop precision to smoother, radio-friendly contexts without sacrificing technical depth. His ongoing exploration continues to bridge traditional jazz techniques with modern production elements, maintaining relevance across evolving musical landscapes.[2][28]Equipment and Endorsements
Eric Marienthal primarily performs on a Selmer Mark VI alto saxophone, which he acquired at age 15 and has used throughout his career in its original lacquer finish with the stock neck and Selmer resonators. He has made minor ergonomic modifications, including building up the Eb/F palm keys, the side E key, and adding an Oleg low Bb extender, to enhance playability during extended sessions. For soprano saxophone, Marienthal relies on a silver-plated Yamaha YSS-62S model that he has played for over 25 years, valuing its consistent tone and projection in fusion and jazz contexts. He also employs a Selmer Mark VI tenor saxophone from the 63xxx serial number range, maintaining its original lacquer and neck for a warm, versatile sound suitable for collaborative recordings and live performances.[27] Marienthal's mouthpiece selections emphasize projection and flexibility, aligning with his dynamic fusion style. On alto, he uses a Beechler metal #7 mouthpiece, paired with a Rico H brass ligature originally designed for soprano saxophones, which provides a secure yet adjustable fit. For soprano, his setup features a hard rubber Selmer Super Session H mouthpiece, custom-modified by technician John Reilly for improved response. On tenor, he opts for a Berg Larsen 100/2 ebonite mouthpiece with a Brancher brass ligature featuring a single screw and dual metal bands, ensuring stability across registers. These choices support his ability to navigate rapid improvisations and blend with diverse ensembles without frequent adjustments.[27] Across all his saxophones, Marienthal consistently uses Vandoren Traditional reeds in strength 2½, selected for their reliable response and open feel that accommodates both lyrical phrasing and aggressive articulation in contemporary jazz settings. He has endorsed Vandoren products for decades, highlighting their consistency in interviews and instructional materials. Additionally, as an official artist with Conn-Selmer, Marienthal promotes their instruments and accessories, while his long-term use of Yamaha soprano models reflects an implicit partnership built on durability and tonal quality. He maintains his gear through routine professional servicing to preserve the vintage integrity of his Selmer horns, avoiding major alterations that could alter their inherent character.[27][29]Discography
Albums as Leader
Eric Marienthal's discography as a bandleader encompasses more than 15 studio albums, evolving from fusion-oriented works in the late 1980s to smooth jazz and collaborative projects in later years. His early releases on GRP Records emphasized intricate arrangements and high-profile producers, while later efforts on labels like Peak and Shanachie incorporated covers, tributes, and genre-blending elements, often achieving strong airplay on Billboard's Smooth Jazz charts.[30][31] The following table lists his primary albums as leader in chronological order, highlighting key producers, themes, and chart performance where notable:| Title | Year | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voices of the Heart | 1988 | GRP Records | Debut album produced by Chick Corea, featuring fusion elements and Corea's keyboards; marked Marienthal's transition to leading projects. |
| Round Trip | 1989 | GRP Records | Co-produced by John Patitucci; fusion-heavy with complex rhythms and Marienthal's alto saxophone prominent. |
| Crossroads | 1990 | GRP Records | Continued fusion style with guest appearances; emphasized improvisational solos. |
| Oasis | 1991 | GRP Records | Produced by Chick Corea; peaked at #5 on Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums chart, with tracks like the title song reaching Top 10 on radio airplay. |
| One Touch | 1993 | GRP Records | Produced by Jeff Lorber; shifted toward smoother grooves while retaining fusion roots. |
| Street Dance | 1994 | GRP Records | Produced by Jeff Lorber; incorporated urban smooth jazz influences and charted on contemporary jazz lists. |
| Easy Street | 1997 | Metro Blue (Verve) | Smooth jazz focus; title track became a radio hit on Smooth Jazz Airplay charts.[32] |
| Walk Tall: Tribute to Cannonball Adderley | 1998 | Verve | Tribute album reinterpreting Adderley's classics; "Here in My Heart" reached #1 on Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay for three weeks, and "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" peaked at #5.[33] |
| Turn Up the Heat | 2001 | Peak Records | Produced by Russ Freeman; fusion-heavy with guests like Robben Ford, blending electric and acoustic elements.[34] |
| Sweet Talk | 2003 | Peak Records | Smooth jazz collection with melodic hooks; featured collaborations with keyboardists.[35] |
| Got You Covered | 2005 | Peak Records | Covers album with an all-star band including Vinnie Colaiuta; reimagined pop and jazz standards in smooth jazz style. |
| Just Around the Corner | 2007 | Peak Records | Upbeat smooth jazz; lead single "Blue Water" topped Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay for multiple weeks. |
| It's Love | 2012 | eOne Music | Romantic smooth jazz themes; released alongside Jeff Lorber Fusion's Galaxy, with shared production elements. |
| Bridges | 2015 | Chesky Records | Collaboration with guitarist Chuck Loeb; acoustic focus, peaked at #6 on Billboard Jazz Albums and #15 on Contemporary Jazz charts. |
| Double Dealin' | 2020 | Shanachie Records | Co-led with Randy Brecker; blurred lines between traditional and contemporary jazz, featuring trumpet-saxophone interplay. |
Contributions as Sideman
Marienthal's tenure as a sideman with the Chick Corea Elektric Band marked a pivotal phase in his career, spanning from 1987 to 1993, during which he contributed to six albums that blended jazz fusion with electric instrumentation.[2] His alto saxophone work provided melodic counterpoints and energetic solos, notably on tracks like "Elektric City" from Light Years (1987) and "King Cockroach" from Eye of the Beholder (1988), where his soulful and dynamic phrasing complemented Corea's keyboard innovations and the band's rhythmic drive.[36] These recordings, including Inside Out (1990), Beneath the Mask (1991), Paint the World (1993), and a live set, earned two Grammy Awards for the band and established Marienthal as a core ensemble member on extensive international tours.[37] Following his time with Corea, Marienthal joined the Jeff Lorber Fusion in the early 2000s, contributing saxophone to several albums that revived the group's fusion sound with contemporary jazz elements. Key releases include He Had a Hat (2007), Now Is the Time (2010)—where he soloed on tracks like "Chinese Medicinal Herbs" and "Dr. Moy"—and Galaxy (2011), two of which received Grammy nominations.[2] His alto and soprano lines added lyrical texture to Lorber's keyboard-driven compositions, supporting tours that showcased the band's blend of funk, jazz, and world rhythms.[38] As lead alto saxophonist for Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band since the early 2000s, Marienthal has appeared on numerous albums that fuse big band swing with modern jazz and pop influences, performing on over a dozen releases including XXL (2003), Act Your Age (2008), Life in the Bubble (2014), and The Reset (2022).[15] His energetic solos, such as on "The Jazz Police" and "Passage," highlight his versatility in ensemble settings, contributing to the band's Grammy-nominated work and global tours featuring cinematic arrangements.[39] Marienthal's sideman roles extend to smooth jazz and pop projects, including collaborations with pianist David Benoit on albums like Every Step of the Way (1988) and American Landscape (1997), where his saxophone enriched melodic themes. With trombonist Brian Culbertson, he featured on Bringing Back the Funk (2008), Another Long Night Out (2014), and Day Trip (2025), delivering funky alto lines on tracks like "Morning Light." In pop crossovers, Marienthal supported Kenny Loggins on the project album The Benoit/Freeman Project 2 (2004), contributing to the track "When She Believed in Me" with soaring saxophone amid soft rock harmonies.[40] Overall, Marienthal has participated in over 100 recordings as a sideman, spanning jazz fusion, big band, and pop genres, while touring extensively with these ensembles to audiences worldwide.[2] This body of work parallels his solo career, underscoring his adaptability across musical styles.Notable Guest Appearances
Eric Marienthal has made significant one-off contributions as a featured artist on various albums, blending his alto saxophone prowess with diverse ensembles. In 2020, he co-led the album Double Dealin' with trumpeter Randy Brecker, delivering a fusion of funk, groove, and contemporary jazz across ten original tracks, marking their first collaborative recording effort after years of mutual admiration in the jazz scene.[23] The project, released on Shanachie Records, showcased Marienthal's energetic solos on cuts like the title track and "Fast Lane," earning praise for its boundary-blurring energy.[41] More recently, in 2025, Marienthal appeared as a special guest on the Cassio Vianna Jazz Orchestra's album Vida, a self-produced tribute to life's rhythms featuring big band arrangements.[42] He provided alto saxophone solos on the opening track "Tocando a Vida," infusing the composition with melodic flair alongside bassist Wagner Trindade, contributing to the album's dynamic blend of Brazilian influences and orchestral jazz.[43] This appearance highlighted Marienthal's versatility in supporting orchestral settings beyond his typical small-group work.[44] Marienthal's saxophone has enriched pop and film sessions, extending his reach into mainstream media. He contributed to the music department for major soundtracks, including the high-octane action score of Bullet Train (2022), directed by David Leitch, where his instrumentation supported the film's rhythmic intensity.[45] Similarly, he provided musical support for the animated adventure Wreck-It Ralph (2012), adding layers to its upbeat, family-oriented compositions.[45] In more recent projects, Marienthal worked on the music for Joker: Folie à Deux (2024) and the reboot The Naked Gun (2025), demonstrating his adaptability to cinematic demands across genres.[45] On the live front, Marienthal has joined as a guest at prominent festivals and benefits, elevating performances with impromptu solos. At the 2016 Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival in Portugal, he performed with a backing band featuring keyboards, guitar, drums, and bass, delivering smooth jazz standards to an international audience.[46] In 2017, he guested with the Rebel Jazz Band at the inaugural St. George Jazz Festival, interpreting classics like "Babycakes" in a lively big band context.[47] More recently, as a featured clinician and performer, he headlined a guest concert at the 62nd Annual Northern Arizona University Jazz Fest in spring 2024, collaborating with faculty and student ensembles.[48] Additionally, in April 2025, Marienthal served as the keynote artist at the College of Southern Maryland's 20th Annual Jazz Festival, joining the CSM Jazz Ensemble for a showcase of contemporary and traditional jazz works.[49]Awards and Honors
Grammy Achievements
Eric Marienthal has achieved one Grammy win as a member of the Chick Corea Elektric Band, credited to Chick Corea, which elevated his profile in the jazz fusion scene and opened doors to further high-profile collaborations. The win came at the 31st Annual Grammy Awards in 1989 for Best R&B Instrumental Performance (Orchestra, Group or Soloist) for the album Light Years, on which Marienthal performed as lead saxophonist. This victory highlighted the band's innovative fusion sound and Marienthal's dynamic alto saxophone contributions to tracks like the title song.[50] Marienthal is a ten-time Grammy nominee overall, spanning categories such as Best Contemporary Instrumental Album and Best Contemporary Jazz Album, reflecting his versatility across solo and ensemble work. Notable nominations include the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2011 for Best Contemporary Jazz Album for Now Is the Time with the Jeff Lorber Fusion, emphasizing his role in blending smooth jazz elements with electronic grooves. His solo efforts earned a nod at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards in 2022 for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for Double Dealin', a co-led project with trumpeter Randy Brecker that fused bebop influences with modern production. Additional nominations stem from his contributions to Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band albums and other Lorber projects, underscoring the breadth of his impact. Most recently, at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards announced in 2025, Marienthal received another nomination alongside Randy Brecker in the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album category for their collaborative album Sacred Bonds.[51][5][2][52][53]| Year | Category | Work | Artist/Group | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Best R&B Instrumental Performance (Orchestra, Group or Soloist) | Light Years | Chick Corea Elektric Band | Win (credited to Chick Corea) |
| 2011 | Best Contemporary Jazz Album | Now Is the Time | Jeff Lorber Fusion | Nomination |
| 2022 | Best Contemporary Instrumental Album | Double Dealin' | Randy Brecker & Eric Marienthal | Nomination |
| 2026 | Best Contemporary Instrumental Album | Sacred Bonds | Randy Brecker & Eric Marienthal | Nomination |