In fact, the most striking aspect of Bergonzi’s playing on the album is his tone. With an expansive set of timbral colors at his disposable, he can alternately sound razor-sharp, soothingly warm, or on the verge of igniting. His control is not only sufficient to avoid incineration, but also to conjure up the tones of past saxophonists known for their own fiery playing – particularly Coleman Hawkins, Dexter Gordon, and John Coltrane.
Among the album’s ten tracks, seven are Bergonzi’s originals, and three are old jazz standards: “Dancing in the Dark,” “Come Fly With Me,” and “Out of Nowhere.” He strikes a perfect balance between treatment of these oft-recorded tunes and his own compositions, a testament to his mastery of the jazz language.
Simply Put is a great addition to Bergonzi’s already massive recorded output. With it he proves that his talent – which often goes overlooked in the modern jazz saxophone world dominated by Joshua Redman, Chris Potter, and more recently Mark Turner and Miguel Zenón – is not only still intact, but capable of taking on new depths.
Release Date:
June 16th, 2009 on Savant
Personnel:
- Jerry Bergonzi – Tenor Saxophone
- Bruce Barth – Piano
- Dave Santoro – Bass
- Andrea Michelutti – Drums
Track List
- Mr. MB
- Dancing in the Dark
- Casadiche
- Come Fly With Me
- Wipper Snapper
- Out of Nowhere
- Crossing the Naeff
- Transphybian
- What If?
- Malaga
