Jazz Articles about Brooke Sofferman

Brooke Sofferman: Fine Whines

by Dan McClenaghan
September 22, 2007

Boston-based drummer Brooke Sofferman brings a rock and roll level energy to juice up some excellent, intricate mainstream jazz on Fine Whines, his third CD this century on Summit Records. On this quintet effort--two horns and a guitar-driven rhythm section--implacable forward momentum and monster chops, all around, reign.Jerry Bergonzi is the saxophonist here, and you can put your money down on a superior listening experience if his name shows up on a CD cover. His Tenorist (Savant Records, ...

The Sofferman Perspective: One Stone, Two Birds

by Jim Santella
April 3, 2004

Brooke Sofferman's original music carries with it both a deep loyalty to jazz's tradition and a surging perspective of where jazz is headed. You'll find pointers at his website, which will lead you to audio samples.

The title track shifts meters between 7/4, 6/4, 13/4 and 9/4. These rhythmic changes allow the band to explore, while stutter steps keep the listener wrapped up in a groove. In Sofferman we find a composer who respects the listener's thirst for ...

Brooke Sofferman featuring Jerry Bergonzi: The Green Between

by Dave Nathan
April 12, 2002

Brooke Sofferman second album as a leader, and first for the Arizona-based Summit record label, deals strictly with the compositions of the drummer/leader. Showing significant compositional awareness, the tunes cut a wide swathe of rhythmic and harmonic invention, including reggae, blues, swing and ballad. The latter musical species is well represented by a lovely, pensive “Sunbird". The contributions to this session by Sofferman's playmates, especially tenor sax man Jerry Bergonzi and Phil Grenadier's trumpet, are well documented on this track. ...

Brooke Sofferman: The Green Between

by Jim Santella
April 12, 2002

What a swinging affair!

Brooke Sofferman’s sextet makes this sequel to his Modesty’s Odyssey smoke from start to finish. Using the same personnel and adding a few key players, drummer Sofferman has created another outstanding album. Once again, his compositions serve as the basis for intriguing improvisation. A variety of textures from the drum set color each selection. Jerry Bergonzi, Phil Grenadier and Jacques Chanier add significant charm. No smooth jazz here. Sofferman elevates the art of jazz ...

Brooke Sofferman: The Green Between

by Jim Santella
April 12, 2002

What a swinging affair!

Brooke Sofferman’s sextet makes this sequel to his Modesty’s Odyssey smoke from start to finish. Using the same personnel and adding a few key players, drummer Sofferman has created another outstanding album. Once again, his compositions serve as the basis for intriguing improvisation. A variety of textures from the drum set color each selection. Jerry Bergonzi, Phil Grenadier and Jacques Chanier add significant charm. No smooth jazz here. Sofferman elevates the art of jazz and carries ...

Brooke Sofferman: Modesty's Odyssey

by Jim Santella
March 1, 2000

Drummer Brooke Sofferman has all the right stuff. His self-produced debut album shows that from its very start. This highly recommended quintet session features Sofferman’s loose modern mainstream compositions and an ensemble that permits each artist to express freely without falling into traditional roles. Bassist Thomson Kneeland solos lyrically and with a fluid technique. Guitarist Norm Zocher comps as needed and stretches out often. His superimposed harmonic interaction with saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi drives the ensemble with deliberation; particularly on “Shaodare." ...

Brooke Sofferman: Modesty's Odyssey

by Mark Corroto
February 1, 2000

I’ve always thought of jazz in terms of Major League Baseball. You have your major labels, Verve, Blue Note, Warner Bros., and Sony, that record the huge stars, usually late in their careers. Hard core fans scout the minor league, small independent labels that develop the talent of a jazz artist, the Black Saints, Riversides, and Criss Crosses of this world. Today we all dig Joe Lovano’s Blue Note recordings, voting him as a top saxophonist every year, but check ...