Those fascinating feelings of cathartic release, reflection and exuberance driving the melodic invention, fascinating grooves and colorful improvisations on Mark Etheredge’s latest album LOVE PLANET are hard won, real deal expressions of the multi-talented pianist/composer’s experience of working past the darkest days of his life and celebrating recovery- and the musical freedom he’s found in their wake. With an eclectic, infectious swirl of songs that tap thematically into urban life, reflections on Ukraine, the triumph of the human spirit and his love for his late mother, the collection – which includes contributions from Paul Brown, Steve Oliver, Greg Vail and Ron King – is Etheredge’s emphatic response to a question he wakes up asking daily: “What can I do to be more loving today?” - Jonathan Widren, SmoothJazz.com