CD 2: Michael Brecker (tenor sax tks 1,2); Jerry Bergonzi (tenor sax tks 1,2,3,4,7,8,9); Mike Stern (guitar tks 2,7,8); Kenny Werner (piano tks 1,2,3,4,7,8); Chris Minh Doky (bass); Alex Riel (drums).
A welcoming double CD reissue of two albums led by legendary Danish drummer Riel who is regarded by many as Denmark's most successful jazz musician next to NHØP.
Recorded in New York in 1997 and 1999, both discs have Brecker and Bergonzi at their explosive best - particularly when the two are in tandem. However, it isn't all blood and thunder as their take on Ben Webster's Did You Call Her Today? proves. They play more notes than Ben would have chosen to albeit without Webster's sumptuous sound.
Nevertheless, both players are at the top of their game and the tracks where they share centre stage the comparisions are interesting. Brecker perhaps the more freer, Bergonzi only slightly less outré, both of them extending the range of the instrument beyond Adolphe Sax's wildest dreams - maybe even Illinois Jacquet's!
Bergonzi is more controlled on his own Committed, a truly exquisite ballad performance, just one of the seven originals he contributed.
Mike Stern offers contrast with some fine guitar solos plus an original and Werner and Doky do likewise with the latter combining with Riel for the final track.
There's an apocryphal saying that Brecker, when asked what it felt like too be the finest jazz saxophonist in the world, replied: "I don't know, ask Jerry Bergonzi".
Riel solos effectively and unaccompanied on In my Own "Sweets" Way.
Werner seduces the listener with a trio version of I Fall in Love Too Easily. Some nice bass too from Doky.
Overall, an exciting double album that goes to the edge but doesn't fall off. There's lots of sensitivity too. It's out on Stunt Records on October 20. Worth checking out. Lance
CD 1: Gecko Plex; He's Dead Too; On Again Off Again; Amethyst; Bruze; Moment's Notice; Channeling; Invisible Light; Unriel.
CD 2: Did You Call Her Today?; Bessie's Blues; Committed; Dexterity; In my Own "Sweets" Way; I Fall in Love Too Easily; The Bat; High Tops; Lille Empum
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