Album Review

** 1/2 KYLE EASTWOOD

“From There to Here”

Columbia Records

Eastwood is a talented young bassist who, in his live appearances, has revealed some very real potential. But it’s hard to uncover much of that promise in this curious debut album, which has a lot more to do with other players than it does with Eastwood, the son of actor-director Clint Eastwood.

There is some effective playing from saxophonists David Sanchez and Doug Webb, some attractive arrangements by Vince Mendoza and an unusual rendering of Marvin Gaye’s “Trouble Man” by Joni Mitchell. But where is Eastwood? Mostly playing--effectively to be sure--in the rhythm section.

If this kind of musical disappearing act is the consequence of a young artist signing with a major label, then Eastwood might have been better off taking a more visible role in an outing on a small label. Both he and his listeners deserve a better opportunity for his unquestioned musical skills to be heard front and center.

*

Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent).