Marbin - Marbinico (2025)

Marbin is back, but they sound quite different from what you’ll remember. 2022’s Dirty Horse was a top 10 release for me, and falls right into place with their catalog. Marbin’s usual brand of rocked-up fusion always features plenty of twists, but, they have decided to play it straight here, straight jazz that is. Joined by drummer Paul Wertico (ex-Pat Metheny Group), I have to assume the album title is the blending of Marbin and Wertico…hence, Marbinico .

Marbin guitarist Dani Rabin is a personal favorite, his ferocious playing on their more fusion-based material is stunning. Rabin also puts out instructional videos on YouTube that are quite enlightening and educational. One should not be surprised that his playing translates to this realm seamlessly. Rabin’s tone is excellent, a bit more restrained, which is what the music calls for. The opening “In The Wind” is a pleasant track, quite upbeat, and Rabin’s restrained playing is featured throughout. Listen to his subtle phrasing in “Whoever’s Next” when trading off with saxophonist and longtime collaborator Danny Markovitch. The unison playing during “Pocket Full of Dreams” exposes a beautiful and memorable melody. I love Rabin’s soloing in this track, he’s so smooth. A Latin influence is present in “Yesterday’s Ashes”, and you get Rabin on acoustic guitar here. My favorite song happens to be my favorite track on the album, “Time Travel and Faces Past”. Wertico’s playing throughout is subtle, nuanced and perfect for the music.

The album cover is a cool image of a lion made out of fire. Only Rabin and Markovitch remain from the band, so, I am assuming that Rabin also handles the bass on the recordings. I am not sure how fans will react, I know for me it was a shock. I do understand the need to change direction, and try something new, and in that regard this is a success. It’s a mellow slice of more traditional jazz, wonderfully played and well written, but maybe a bit too pleasant. It’s a big enough change in direction, I wish they added more intensity in spots, only time will tell if it finds an audience.~Reviewer: Eric Porter

Paul Wertico - drums
Dani Rabin - guitar, bass
Danny Markovitch - saxophone