Press

All three members of the Anansi Trio are crucial to the group's overall success. Matt Belzer's sax playing is always free-wheeling and playful, Larry Melton's bass is flexible and deep and Mark Merella makes the roll and bounce of his unusual percussion setup sound like the most natural rhythmic progression in the world. Together they continue to be a unique and stimulating presence in the jazz world that deserves more attention.

Jerome Wilson (All About Jazz)

Belzer flies completely out, shrieking, singing and bellowing through his horn like Albert Ayler.

Jerome Wilson (All About Jazz)

Saxophonist Belzer is a monster on the reeds delivering spicy solos on the alto and soprano sax, the clarinets and alto flute throughout.

Edward Blanco (EJazz News)

Matt Belzer is a standout on reeds and is ably abetted by Ned Judy, keyboards, and Larry Melton bass. The selections portray a true mosaic of styles that blends bop, electric jazz, Afro-Cuban and avant-garde.

Larry Taylor (JazzReview)

[Connections is] A first rate jazz outing that walks a line between grooves and freedom. Beautiful!

Dan McClenaghan (All About Jazz)

Connections is one of the best Independent jazz presentations I have heard in years.

Geannine Reid (EJazz News)

[Crypto is] The best sax-drums duet record I’ve ever heard. Okay, I’ve only heard two, but the other one was by John Coltrane, so it’s no faint praise to say this one’s better.

DBW (Wilson and Alroy's Record Reviews)

Back in the 1960s and 1970s, Don Ellis and Dave Brubeck were among the first in jazz to explore improvising in odd-time signatures. The music sometimes sounded like counting was carefully and mechanically done, so players wouldn’t lose their place. Now, more and more players feel comfortable, and perform naturally. Belzer is one of those.

Clive Griffin (Jazz Improv Magazine)