The Way Out Of Easy vinyl

Jeff Parker's The Way Out of Easy shows his ETA IVtet in a live performance recorded on January 2, 2023, at Los Angeles' now-closed Enfield Tennis Academy. The album, due via International Anthem, marks the group's first release since 2022's critically acclaimed Mondays at the Enfield Tennis Academy. Featuring saxophonist Josh Johnson, bassist Anna Butterss and drummer Jay Bellerose, the quartet's seven-year residency at ETA honed their distinct sound, blending minimalist grooves with expansive, polyrhythmic improvisations. The four tracks on The Way Out of Easy capture the band's dynamic range and synergy, starting with 'Freakadelic', a reworking from Parker's 2012 album. Meditative tracks like 'Late Autumn' and 'Easy Way Out' evolve into richly textured, improvised soundscapes, before the album concludes with the spontaneous dub/reggae groove 'Chrome Dome'. Engineered by Bryce Gonzales using a custom mixer, the recording provides a pure and vibrant experience. As a final tribute to ETA, The Way Out of Easy offers a snapshot of the ensemble's improvisational mastery and the creative energy of their now-legendary residency.