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Jazz Articles

CD/LP/TRACK REVIEW April 9, 2016

Ergo: As subtle as tomorrow

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By GLENN ASTARITA

The premise for this album is based on a succinct Emily Dickenson poem, As Subtle as Tomorrow with the verse allocated to the individual track titles. Subtle is an adjective that parallels the trio's chief mode of operations. The band's muse is nestled somewhere within an existential progressive jazz format, layered with ambient-electronic treatments and hearty doses of improv. They also interlace minimalist sojourns, partly due to pianist's Sam Harris' harmonically driven ostinato phrasings. Thus, appealing melodies often serve as ...

CD/LP/TRACK REVIEW November 27, 2015

Garzone / Bergonzi / Moses / Andersson: Splitting up in Boston

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By JAKOB BAEKGAARD

Back in 2013, renowned saxophonists George Garzone and Jerry Bergonzi recorded an album together that came out in 2014 on the Danish label Stunt. The name of the album was Quintonic and it sounded just as one might expect; wonderful music with fiery blowing, swinging tunes, tight grooves and razor-sharp twists and turns and lyric moments of beauty. They recorded it with two Danish musicians, pianist Carl Winther and drummer Anders Mogensen, and the Finnish bassist Johnny Åman.

DVD/FILM REVIEWS January 17, 2014

Jerry Bergonzi: Two More DVDs from the Master Educator

By DAN BILAWSKY

There are plenty of stellar musicians who can't teach and plenty of fine educators who lack the skills or know-how to play at a top-tier level. There aren't a lot of internationally acclaimed musicians who are also viewed the world over as exceptional teachers; saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi is one of the few. Bergonzi has traveled plenty with his horn, playing his own music and backing up bigwigs across the globe, but he's made an even bigger impact ...

CATCHING UP WITH December 12, 2012

Jerry Bergonzi: Eternal Student

By MARTA RAMON

Jerry Bergonzi is regarded as one of the most important saxophonists in the world. Equally, he continues to make significant contributions in the world of jazz education. He is the author of Inside Improvisations Series (Jazzwise Publications), a manual developed in seven volumes--his eighth book is due to come out soon--that has become essential for jazz students around the world.The only element that speaks to time is his white hair, because his enthusiasm hasn't changed since recently deceased ...

CD/LP/TRACK REVIEW August 25, 2012

Jerry Bergonzi: Shifting Gears

By GLENN ASTARITA

Gifted tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi has proven to be among the best in the business, spanning a hefty solo career amid numerous guest spots and session duties for others. With this quintet release, the leader hearkens back to the modern jazz ingenuity and reverence of 1960s-era outings for the likes of the Blue Note and Prestige record labels. However, the musicians' respective styles impart a distinct group-centric sound, streaked with a contemporary vibe. Bergonzi and trumpeter Phil Grenadier's ...

CD/LP/TRACK REVIEW May 25, 2012

Ergo: If Not Inertia

By GLENN ASTARITA

A few decades ago, it wasn't evident that computers could become an integral component to music, other than some experimental persuasions set forth by the likes of eminent modern jazz trombonist George Lewis, who helped pioneer live electronics. But trombonist Brett Sroka carries the torch, yet in a different or, perhaps, more subtle light. With first-call avant-garde guitarist Mary Halvorson injecting her sinewy, odd-tuned phrasings, and acoustic guitarist Sebastian Kruger appearing on one track of If Not Inertia, the band's ...

MULTIPLE REVIEWS March 2, 2012

Jerry Bergonzi: Two DVDs from the Master Educator

By DAN BILAWSKY

Tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi has spent decades honing his skills and he has the discography to prove it. Strong solo dates on the RED, Double-Time and Savant labels, along with notable sideman work with legends such as pianist Dave Brubeck, have earned him the respect of his peers and the reputation of being a no-nonsense force of nature on his instrument, but his best work may take place in the classroom. Bergonzi has been codifying and passing ...

CD/LP/TRACK REVIEW March 3, 2011

Jerry Bergonzi: Convergence

By GREG SIMMONS

Saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi has become one of the most reliable recording artists in jazz. In between his day job as a Berklee College of Music professor, and performing, he turns out a great album or two every year. Featuring mostly tenor horn, Convergence follows dutifully in that pattern. The album splits between a classic piano-based quartet and the more risky piano-less trio with equally good results. Bergonzi, who also overdubs soprano sax for a few tracks, has no problem carrying ...

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About Jazz Story

Jazz Stories

I love Jazz or better yet “American Classical Music” for its rich tradition and impactful influence. When I first knew I was listening to jazz it was during a class in high school, when a social studies teacher had his radio on WGBO FM during class
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I love Jazz or better yet “American Classical Music” for its rich tradition and impactful influence. When I first knew I was listening to jazz it was during a class in high school, when a social studies teacher had his radio on WGBO FM during class. I've had several memorable jazz moments when meeting Randy Weston, Max Roach and Tito Puente.
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By James Green
Member since: 2016