"Theme For Ernie" by the Richie Vitale Quintet

From the soon to be released CD "Slow Groove" on the Gut String Label featuring: Frank Basile - baritone sax Steve Ash - piano Paul Gill - bass Pete Van Nostrand - drums I heard this song written in memory or alto saxophonist Ernie Henry recorded by John Coltrane. It’s been a wish of mine for years to complete a CD including my five songs recorded in 2011 for my upcoming CD "Slow Groove." In 2021 I recorded two originals and one standard ballad called “Theme for Ernie.” I felt the contrary lines between the flugelhorn and baritone were so beautiful on the ballad, that it transformed an already haunting song into a soulful piece that by itself stands alone…not even requiring solos…as the writing is enough of a composition in itself! However, we do play over "Theme for Ernie” and the rest of my compositions and I couldn’t be happier with the solo and comping work from the musicians involved in this project. I hope you enjoy the listening journey as much as we did recording this CD.