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Erik Deutsch

This Was Then

self-released
Release Date: July 18, 2025

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1 Saddest Day in Paradise (5:37)  
2 This Was Then (6:44)  
3 Immortals (5:05)  
4 Memory (4:51)  
5 Neon Blue (7:37)  
6 Snake Alley (4:56)  
7 Pretty Pigeon (4:44)  
8 Invisible Temples (5:56)  
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This Was Then is the ninth full-length album by pianist/composer Erik Deutsch. His long-running NYC sextet has once again been enlisted to conjure their magic: Tony Mason on drums, Jeff Hill on bass, Avi Bortnick on drums, Mike McGinnis on Reeds, and Brian Drye on trombone; plus special guests Mauro Refosco on percussion and Victoria Reed on vocals. In between touring full time with The Black Crowes, piloting multiple projects, and recording with an incredible variety of artists, Deutsch has found the time to create an excellent new album of original material.

Stylistically, This Was Then may be Deutsch’s finest work yet, as the music cruises effortlessly thru genre, tempo, and mood. Sure, some of Deutsch’s previous musical tendencies are present once again, but nothing feels like a redux--rather an updated vision or a glance towards a fresh path altogether. The production team of Erik and Jeff Hill has elevated their vision and skill (they’ve been working together editing, overdubbing, mixing, and producing Deutsch’s records since the 2012 release Demonio Teclado). Once presented with what the duo has accomplished sonically, it’s nearly impossible to deny the uniqueness present within the artistry of this record. Simply put, “jazz” artists these days don’t typically offer this level of production to their records; and having said that, it’s clear that Deutsch’s vision of jazz music (evident in his catalog over for the past 20 years) has been thoughtful and clear, and that he has continued to not only stay the course but expand and elevate his concept along the way.

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