Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Greg Burk Quartet: Carpe Momentum

122

Greg Burk Quartet: Carpe Momentum

By

Sign in to view read count
Greg Burk Quartet: Carpe Momentum
Greg Burk's work may have a quirk, but there is much more to it. He looks to the skies and he looks to his wife, and he even looks to George Russell for inspiration. And all of the fun of meeting more than one is evidenced on this album as the music spins into several spheres and never loses its bearings. And if that makes the writing remarkable, also bringing it all together is this cohesive band of four.

Time is of the essence. Only it does not follow an expected pattern constantly. It can set a standard pulse and then disseminate on the beat. Or it can set the flow going in a sweet melody, as it does on "Hymn For Her," which is essayed by Jerry Bergonzi on the tenor, his lines undulating most becomingly clasping the melody to the soul. Burk opens it out a little on his first solo stint, and having done that, he nestles into a more compact melodic groove when he comes back. Burk's wife appears on the telephone-inspired "Serena Al Telefono." Jonathan Robinson sets up the beat on the bass, which is extended by Burk, the resolution modulate and flowing when in comes Bergonzi and cleaves between the two on the soprano sax. From then on disparate harmonies vent their way, time is fractured and Burk's attacks rumble and gradually rise to a swell. Add Bergonzi's repeated motifs and Gerald Cleaver's shifting timbres on the snares and his evolving sense of timing, and this tune becomes irresistible. What comes up, "For George Russell," is an up-tempo tune. The hue is radiant, livened by the lilting romp of Burk and then etched by the drive of Bergonzi on the tenor.

With plenty of depth and flair, this is a darn good record.

Visit Greg Burk online at www.GregBurk.com .

Track Listing

Burk's Quirks; Serena Al Telefono; Hymn For Her; Ink; Look to the Astroid; For George Russell; Hupid Stumid; Song For Sara.

Personnel

Greg Burk
piano

Greg Burk: piano, composer; Jerry Bergonzi: tenor and soprano saxophone; Jonathan Robinson: bass; Gerald Cleaver: drums.

Album information

Title: Carpe Momentum | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Soul Note

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

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.