What a treat! A few seconds into this CD and it's obvious the listener is on
an aural journey of jazz delight. With the exceptionally talented
co-leaders, Martin and Lundgren, joined by the equally gifted Berghofer and
La Barbera, and a dozen selections from the era of great American songs,
this is a surefire receipt for musical pleasure.
Andy Martin presently reigns supreme in trombonedom. He is a consummate
artist, a first call Hollywood studio musician, a lead player, jazz player
or section member in just about every big band he can squeeze into a
Southern California commuting schedule, and a clinician and frequent guest
performer. His astonishing technical ability gives him complete command of
his instrument. Just as impressive is Jan Lundgren, rapidly becoming
recognized as being among the world's leading jazz pianists. Lundgren is a
bop player and one whose inventive improsivations are characterized by their
warmth and lyricism. He can reach deep into the soul of the music and play
with the emotion of one firmly rooted in the blues tradition. Lundgren's
ease of execution, articulation, and clarity of touch bespeak his classical
training. Yet, with these two highly trained and talented artists there is
no useless display of technique but rather a rapport, empathy and an
understanding of interpretation that underscores their purpose for gathering
in the studio: the music! It is clearly evident that these two listen to
each other, building and exchanging musical ideas as they explore and
interpret these tunes.
Often there is limited or no rehearsal time for jazz recordings and the
challenge is to assemble supporting players who will jell and interact as if
they are an established group. Chuck Berghofer and Joe La Barbera are much
more than supporting players. Berghofer, Pete Jolly's bass player for 40
years, and a studio veteran with over a thousand recordings has never
sounded better. His playing is consistently strong throughout this
recording. Simply stated, La Barbera is first call. A session is planned, a
drummer is needed, La Barbera is called, he can make the date, the worry is
over.
Dick Bank is the producer of this recording and his unmistakable stamp is
evident. And a nice perquisite that is. Bank has re-vitalized the fine art
of jazz record production and he stands alone in this endeavor. Kudos to
Bank for the wide exposure he has given to Jan Lundgren as well as Andy
Martin and many other wonderful jazz players during the last decade. As one
with a passion for facts and detal, he leaves nothing unaddressed. For his
recordings, Bank seems to consistently uncover and dust off old, forgotten
tunes that fit perfectly in the setting and leaves one wondering why these
lost gems aren't played more often. The accompanying booklet is a work of
art with bios, photos, informative annotation, and beautifully reproduced
original covers of the sheet music for the selections. In addition to Bank's
notes, Alun Morgan and Jan Olsson also contribute. This CD's quality of
sound, as on all Bank productions, is outstanding. The Yamaha concert grand
is recorded with bell-like clarity in the treble and the bass is rock solid.
The balance among the group is perfect. This is recording and engineering at
its finest. This CD is a triple treat - great playing by great artists,
great selections of songs, and a Dick Bank / Fresh Sound package that is
extraordinary. Recommended without reservation.
Ed Barr
Review
of How About You?