Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Peter Bernstein: Peter Bernstein Quartet, Live at Smalls

404

Peter Bernstein: Peter Bernstein Quartet, Live at Smalls

By

Sign in to view read count
Peter Bernstein: Peter Bernstein Quartet, Live at Smalls
Peter Bernstein is one of the most pleasing and accomplished guitarists around, a must-hear, go-see for fans of straight-ahead jazz with a fresh, of-the-moment feel. A fixture on the New York scene and beyond, Bernstein deserves to be even better-known for his intricately beautiful melodic lines, harmonic sophistication, spot-on improvisation and good taste.

Mentored early on by Jim Hall, Bernstein's never been a screamer. He plays quietly and intensely, with confidence, intelligence, elegance and rare sensitivity—all amply displayed on Live at Smalls, part of a new series taken from the Greenwich Village jazz club.

Listen to the gorgeous guitar lines in "Stairway to the Stars," "Delilah" as well as in Bernstein's own lively and likeable originals "Vida Blue" and "Sideberns." And his band mates have everything it takes to provide terrific support for these and other works, including Gershwin's "Love Walked In." Like Bernstein, these pros make everything seem effortless. Veteran drummer Jimmy Cobb has the right touch for each moment, whether soloing or propelling the group forward, handling laidback or flashy with equal prowess. Richard Wyands is a standout on piano, playing cleanly and smartly throughout, sweetly executing Miles Davis' "Four" as well as other pieces with a winning lyricism and chord choices. Smalls and Smoke regular John Webber is able on bass.

The overall quality of this CD, recorded live over two nights in December 2008—with some audience responses intact—is excellent and true to the club's intimate and easy-going spirit. One only wishes the "night" would never end. As for this talented but still somewhat-underexposed guitarist, here's the bottom line: There are people who play guitar and then there are artists like Bernstein.

Track Listing

Vida Blue; Say; Little Mama; Say; Stairway to the Stars; Delilah; Love Walked In; Four; Sideberns.

Personnel

Peter Bernstein: guitar; Jimmy Cobb: drums; Richard Wyands: piano, John Webber: bass.

Album information

Title: Peter Bernstein Quartet, Live at Smalls | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Unknown label

Comments

Tags

Concerts


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.
View events near New York City
Jazz Near New York City
Events Guide | Venue Guide | Local Businesses | More...

More

What Was Happening
Bobby Wellins Quartet
Laugh Ash
Ches Smith
A New Beat
Ulysses Owens, Jr. and Generation Y

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.