Search - Jerry Bergonzi :: On Red

Bergonzi - Genius at work!

Terry Hart | Torrevieja, Spain | 02/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jerry Bergonzi is probably the finest tenor saxophonist in the world today. 'Jerry on Red' is a masterclass of fine playing. The opening track, an interpretation of Brubeck's 'In your own sweet way' is a rollercoater of emotion, anchored by an inspired rythmn section. 'Theme for Ernie' (Watts) and Monk's 'Pannanoica' are developed easily from the opening verses through ever more challenging chord progressions. 'Your my everything' can only be described as a masterpiece in itself, with JB stating the verse without complications, followed by a series of ever more challenging choruses in double tempo, before reverting back to the opening theme. 'Si Señora' fuses Jazz and bossa nova perfectly, showcasing JB's awesome technique and incredible imagination. 'Surrender' picks up the tempo for the first time on the album and every student of the saxophone will know about 'tension and release' on hearing this. 'Dodo's Waltz' (reminiscent of 'My old flame'?) is a charming original with some beautiful interplay between bass and piano before JB re-enters the proceeding to tear the heart out of the piece. The final track, is listed incorrectly even on the sleeve as Billy Eckstine's 'I wan't to talk about you' but is in fact 'I thought about you' written by Johnny Mercer. Shame really, as 'Theme for Ernie' compares so favourably with Coltrane's version, I would just love to hear how Mr. Bergonzi would have approached it. Go buy it!"