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CD/LP/Track Review
Jerry Bergonzi: Jerry Bergonzi Trio
Glenn Astarita
Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.Tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi may not enjoy the same “marquee” status as the Michael Breckers and Joe Lovanos ; however, this distinguished Boston based tenor saxophonist can hang in there with the best of the lot. The Jerry Bergonzi Trio is yet another fine release from Double-Time Records. The Trio comprises Bergonzi (tenor sax), Dan Wall (B-3 Organ) and Adam Nussbaum (drums). Wall and Nussbaum are outstanding in support of Bergonzi’s multifaceted approach. Bergonzi can knock walls down with his hard blowing, yet he often demonstrates articulate and luscious phrasing.
“Lost In The Shuffle” exemplifies Bergonzi’s band-leading prowess while blowing through scales with effortless ease. Nussbaum smothers the kit and at times sounds like two drummers. He accelerates the pace prompted by Bergonzi’s fluctuating thematic statements and crafty improvisation. Organist Dan Wall and drummer Nussbaum are top-flight session musicians and spent several years with the great guitarist John Abercrombie. Their collective expertise in cutting edge jazz trio formats pays off huge dividends for Bergonzi. “Invisible Light” is a gorgeous ballad heightened by Bergonzi’s alluring and meticulous phrasing. On “Invisible Light” Bergonzi exhibits a lush tone which is reminiscent of John Coltrane’s legendary recording with vocalist Johnny Hartman several decades ago. Richard Rodgers classic “Have You Met Miss Jones ?” is a tour-de-force. A Powerful up-beat number, which contains plenty of swing and features Bergonzi’s fluent and emotional attack on the tenor. Here, Wall and Nussbaum stretch out in alternative fashion.
The Jerry Bergonzi Trio is a stalwart effort that features nine wonderfully engaging Bergonzi compositions and one standard. Whether you’re new to jazz or an ardent admirer of Bergonzi’s craftsmanship this is a recording that should be heard.
Record Label: Double-Time Jazz
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream
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