The difference between a 'memorial' and 'tribute' may seem trivial but the fact of the matter is a memorial looks back to the past, where a tribute is very much of the present. Here is a collection sidemen who knew, loved and worked with the Mighty Burner himself, Charles Earland. Guitarist Pat Martino, who played some of his earliest gigs with Charles' band, is on hand along with Joey DeFrancesco, the heir apparent to the Earland crown. Earland's regular band alumni Eric Alexander, James Rotondi, Bob DeVos, Vince Ector and Kevin Jones round out the ensemble. Rather than look back with tear-filled eyes, this group has decided to pay tribute to the musical legacy Charles left behind which is very much alive and as vibrant today as it was when Charles was at the keyboard. "Keepers of the Flame" is an appropriate title - for these musicians keep the sound of the Mighty Burner at high heat and burning brightly for all to enjoy. CHARLES EARLAND TITLES: Blowing the Blues Away - HCD 7010; Cookin' With the Mighty Burner - HCD 7014; Stomp! - HCD 7037; If Only for One Night (w/ Najee) - HCD 7092

- W/ Eric Alexander tenor sax; Joey DeFrancesco, organ; Pat Martino & Bob DeVos, guitar; Vincent Ector, drums; Kevin Jones, percussion; James Rotondi, trumpet

Tracks: Deja Vu; Memorial Day; What Love Has Joined; South Philly Groove; On the Stairs; Pick Up the Pieces; The Closer I Get To You; The Summit

Deja Vu

 South Philly Groove

 The Summit