Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Dave Santoro: The New Standard

140

Dave Santoro: The New Standard

By

Sign in to view read count
Dave Santoro: The New Standard

Bass on Top...

Bassist Dave Santoro has formed a "standards" quartet that effectively expands the philosophy of Keith Jarrett's Standards Trio. Jarrett, along with drummer Jack DeJohnette and bassist Gary Peacock represent a "standards" unit, reinterpreting the great American songbook. They have had the market cornered in performing standards for the last 20 years. Santoro makes this concept one better with the addition of tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi, who is charged with reharmonizing the same American Songbook. This has resulted in three recordings for Double-Time Records, of which The New Standard is the third.

Dave Santoro has had a long relationship with Jerry Bergonzi, beginning their respective standards love affair on Bergonzi's Blue Note release, Standard Gonz (96256, 1989). This was followed up in 1999 with The Dave Santoro Standards Band (Double Time Records, 151) and with The Dave Santoro Standards Band II (Double Time Records, 165, 2000). The former of these recordings offers a vastly reharmonized "On Green Dolphin Street" that was to set the stage for the next two recordings.

The present recording contains eight blissfully realized standards, none of which clock in at less than six minutes. The band has a casual, well-practiced swing, making their collective musicality sound easy. This recording sounds the least like a bassist-led affair than any other I have recently heard. Part of the reason for this is the relatively little soloing Santoro performs and the large amount of space the leader affords Bergonzi and pianist Chicco. Both men sound fresh and bright, choosing all of there notes intelligently and dynamically. Bergonzi, whose tone has long associated with a substantial Coltrane influence, proves down right lyrical in a full-throated sort of way that makes his playing more attractive than that of the master. The two lengthiest pieces, "I've Never Been in Love Before" and "Witchcraft" provide copious example of the piano-tenor intuition in this band.

Santoro purrs slightly behind the beat, giving the music a hesitant momentum that is thick and dense. Drummer Tom Melito plays the dozens with his band members by trading eights with them and never giving an inch. In cooperation with Santoro, Melito propels the group in a sure and stalwart manner. Santoro's solos, when he takes them, are lyrical with no wasted notes. He does not over play. Tasteful harmonics and a sure time characterize Santoro's playing, illustrating his smart but homespun approach. His choice of material also betrays his common intelligence. The New Standard is thoroughly satisfying. It is a down the middle-of- the-road treat.

Track Listing

I've Never Been In Love Before; I Remember You; Witchcraft; All Of You; How About You; Let's Pretend; You're Too Marvelous for words; The Best thing For You. (Total Time: 60:06).

Personnel

Dave Santoro: Bass; Jerry Bergonzi: Tenor Saxophone; Renato Chicco: Piano; Tom Melito: Drums.

Album information

Title: The New Standard | Year Released: 2002 | Record Label: Double-Time Jazz

Comments

Tags


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.

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.