PRESS/BIO

Reviews:

Littoral Zone
“Global sensibilities on full display … Infusing jazz composition and instrumentation with his worldly orientation and rhythmic arsenal, Gerstin teases out the African and Caribbean elements so prevalent in [jazz].” — JazzIz Magazine

“Uproarious and jubilant … Sweet and strong like sugarcane” — Dee Dee McNeil

“Dynamic and lively … Full of joy and high-energy talent. The driving forces of the universe are quite apparent” — Dick Metcalf, Contemporary Fusion Reviews

“Full of danceable grooves, along with swirling irresistable ensemble playing and strong solos that are easy to listen to but far from being easy listening music … A magical musical stew” — Ron Weinstock, Jazz and Blues Report

“Brilliantly masterful percussion … soars with the rhythms of life” — Contemporary Fusion Reviews

The Old City
“Full of joy and high-energy talent” — Contemporary Fusion Reviews

“Uproarious and jubilant … sweet and strong like sugarcane” — Dee Dee McNeil, musicalmemoirs.com

The One Who Makes You Happy
“For more than 40 years, the Vermont-based percussionist and composer has studied and performed music from Africa to the Caribbean, from the Americas to the Balkans. His global sensibilities are on full display on this self-released recording with his sextet. Infusing jazz composition and instrumentation with his worldly orientation and rhythmic arsenal, Gerstin teases out African and Caribbean elements as well as Eastern European analogs…Intoxicating…Joyful.” — JazzIz, Winter 2018

“Percussionist Julian has roved about the globe working with musicians from many countries, and for this adventure, he’s got a stellar cast of players as well … This is definitely the kind of high-energy jazz we seek out here… Any listener, no matter their “jazz background”, will find this very enjoyable and danceable. MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.” — Contemporary Fusion Reviews

“Far-ranging, wildly inventive, with more beats per minute than a street-side jackhammer…This has to be in the conversation for world album of the year.” — Mike Greenblatt, goldminemag.com

“The shape-shifting music can beguile even the most canny listener … Just the right mix of fire and water.” — Raul DaGamma, latinjazznet.com