Stu Goldberg: Dedications (2002)

John Gilbert

Only those who have taken the voyage can discuss it

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Published: August 13, 2002

Stu Goldberg has fashioned what the scribes have dubbed as "Classical Jazz" and may be a bit more classical than pure jazz. Nonetheless it is a fine piece of work with brilliant playing by both Goldbergs and bassist Jeff Falkner. A minor irritant is the hard slap type drumming that is so alien to the "purist" jazzers like Kenny Clarke and Philly Joe.

There is a Spanish type feel to the works (Tunes does not sound apropos). Stu Goldberg has a field day at the 88s and Kenny Goldberg certainly is a study in consistency. His mastery of the horns is evident in every solo. Jeff Falkner works magic on his bass in the background.

This recording will satisfy music professionals and make the intellectual jazz listener chirp with joy. I must confess, while looking both ways first, I love Stu Goldberg in the bopster mode. After all I have been stuck on 52nd Street all these years.

Track Listing: Morning Star, Pokhara, Anthem, Dedication, Being With You, Once Again, Westward Reach, Winter Clouds.

Personnel: Stu Goldberg: piano; Kenny Goldberg: saxes, flute; Jeff Falkner: bass; Dave Renick: drums.

Record Label: Dedication Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream