Steve Herberman Trio: Action:Reaction (2006)

Jerry D'Souza

CD/DVD Reviewer since 2001

From Bombay, India to Indianapolis, Indiana via Toronto!

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Published: May 19, 2007

Steve Herberman, who plays the seven-string guitar, is blessed with an abundance of technique. The instrument, which has been his to fathom since 1993, is now an articulate messenger for his ministrations.

Herberman writes with his eye on the palette that this guitar provides. His creativity infuses the music and it matters not whether he is out on a bop groove, indulging in swing or playing a ballad. He is the master of the up-tempo and the introspective.

Herberman forms a potent combination with bassist Drew Gress and drummer Mark Ferber. The two rhythm men also bring in several ideas and, in combination with Herberman, give the music a full-bodied dimension. The trio jumps into "Cos' Groove, a bop tune that is ignited by Herberman. He fills the spirit of the melody with luminous runs, and when he chooses to slow the pulse his temperate playing adds a welcome dimension.

The guitarist showcases his quieter demeanor on "Be Nimble. He plays with deliberation, but there is the glow below the surface that lights the landscape. Gress bodies it with a solo that sings and leads Herberman back into a lope that is characterized by sharp accents. "Nearly Time is even gentler, a ballad that lets Herberman lay back and let the emotion of his playing convey the message, to which Ferber adds plenty of color with his shadings.

Herberman stamps his music with authority and flair.

Track Listing: Cos� Groove; Be Nimble; Negev Journey; Shoutin� Down; Halcyon Air; Worry Not; Nearly Time; Snap!; Sphericity.

Personnel: Steve Herberman: guitar; Drew Gress: bass; Mark Ferber: drums.

Record Label: Reach Music