Credits:

David Berkman

Description:

Veteran pianist David Berkman's sextet! The group is a dense and unique ensemble, with a fine lineup of soloists including Dinah Steffens and other greats. David Berkman is based in New York City and performs mainly at clubs such as Smalls and Smoke. He has performed with Chris Potter, Tom Harrell, and other musicians at the forefront of the contemporary jazz scene, and has also performed with Sonny Stitt. The front instrumentalists are the same as on the previous album "Old Friends and New Friends": Dinah Stephens, a tenor saxophonist who is also popular in Japan; Adam Kolker, a multi-reed player who is also known for his compositions and arrangements; and Billy Drews, a veteran saxophonist who has also played in Paul Motian's band. Billy Drewes, a veteran saxophonist who has played in Paul Motian's band. On bass is Chris Lightcap, who has recorded with ECM as a sideman, and on drums is Kenneth Salters, who has played with Smalls and others, and whose debut album, Enter To Exit (2015), featured Myron Walden and Shai Maestro. Kenneth Salters. Tim Armacost and Rogerio Boccato guest on some songs. The songs are originals written over the past five years for this sextet (only the third song has been previously recorded). The compositions are meticulously composed and unique, with a hint of royal jazz, but with a twist or two.The first track opens with go-jazz saxophone harmonies, followed by a piano solo by Tim Armacost and Dinah Steffens, and the seven-beat funk beat of the second track, "Shitamachi (Downtown in Japan)," is a unique example of Berkman's interest in Japanese culture. The solos are of a high caliber, including Billy Drews' unique solo on track 4 and Adam Kolker's straight-ahead solo on track 6, the most straight-ahead of the 10 tracks. The package also kindly lists the names and order of the soloists on each song. David Berkman's clever compositions/arrangements and the soloists' virtuosity are a joy to behold.

Tracklisting:

1.Blowing Smoke
2.Cynical Episode
3.Blue Poles
4.Billy
5.Sincerely
6.Three and a Half Minutes
7.Kicks Topper
8.Shitamachi
9.Restoration
10.Rain Rain