Martian Heartache is an album by the American jazz French horn player and composer Tom Varner, recorded in 1996 and released on the Italian Soul Note label.[1]
The AllMusic review by Chris Kelsey stated: "This album is one of the finest manifestations of the experimental impulse in jazz to be heard in some time".[2]
The authors of the Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings awarded the album 4 stars, and commented: "Sculpted with absolute precision but loose and swinging in feel, the music never turns fragmentary or episodic; even the shortest pieces are fully realized, composed and uncluttered."[3]
Glenn Astarita, writing for All About Jazz, called the album "a poignant and multifaceted project," and stated: "Martian Heartache covers lots of territory. It is apparent that this gang was having loads of fun in the process and the entertainment factor rates a perfect 10!... The compositions have staying power and like the proverbial fine wine, get better with age. Highly Recommended!"[4]
Track listing
All compositions and arrangements by Tom Varner except as indicated
"Nuke 'em Tony" – 3:02
"Keep It Up" – 7:46
"Martian Affirmation" – 6:08
"Venus with a Syringe" – 3:45
"Precarious Dog" – 0:58
"Isaac Has a Vision on the Subway" – 6:16
"The Quick and the Dead" – 4:39
"Send Me a Probe" – 0:50
"Tough Luck" – 5:44
"Betsy Says Yes" – 1:18
"Eva Etc." – 10:09
"Anxiety All the Time" – 0:40
"Learn Something!" – 5:30
"Small Cry Big Laugh" – 11:13
"Lady Gay" (Traditional) – 3:24
Recorded at Tedesco Studios in New Jersey on March 5 & 6, 1996
