Jerry Bergonzi: Jerry Bergonzi Trio

“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.

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