Martian Heartache

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]

Martian Heartache
Studio album by Tom Varner
Released	1997
Recorded	March 5 & 6, 1996
Genre	Jazz
Length	70:43
Label	Soul Note
Producer	Tom Varner
Tom Varner chronology
The Mystery of Compassion (1992) Martian Heartache (1997) The Window Up Above (1997)

Reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[2]
The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings	[3]

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

1. "Nuke 'em Tony" – 3:02
2. "Keep It Up" – 7:46
3. "Martian Affirmation" – 6:08
4. "Venus with a Syringe" – 3:45
5. "Precarious Dog" – 0:58
6. "Isaac Has a Vision on the Subway" – 6:16
7. "The Quick and the Dead" – 4:39
8. "Send Me a Probe" – 0:50
9. "Tough Luck" – 5:44
10. "Betsy Says Yes" – 1:18
11. "Eva Etc." – 10:09
12. "Anxiety All the Time" – 0:40
13. "Learn Something!" – 5:30
14. "Small Cry Big Laugh" – 11:13
15. "Lady Gay" (Traditional) – 3:24

• Recorded at Tedesco Studios in New Jersey on March 5 & 6, 1996

Personnel

• Tom Varner – French horn
• Ed Jackson – alto saxophone
• Ellery Eskelin – tenor saxophone
• Drew Gress – bass
• Tom Rainey – drums
• Pete McCann – guitar (tracks 2, 5 & 11)
• Dominique Eade – vocals (track 15)