A masterpiece
Petri Krzywacki | Helsinki, Finland | 03/20/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After two original-based albums, Kreisberg returns to standard material with this excellent CD. At least for this listener, it is a welcome thing, since a style like Kreisberg's is often better understood and appreciated when he's playing the same tunes that countless guitarists and other musicians have played for decades. When he does that, the strength of his highly evolved style becomes immediately apparent.
Kreisberg's style is easily recognizable, with chord voicings and lines that have been carefully chosen to create a coherent, yet flexible style of improvising. The constantly inspired and resourceful playing makes his style anything but predictable, and Kreisberg manages to keep his guitar playing and tone excellent throughout, which is not always the case with improvisationally oriented guitar players. This is especially evident on the tracks where he plays his Collings flattop with a gorgeous tone. Enough has been said about his outstanding melodicism, but it bears another mention. Outstanding.
The band is one of the very best anywhere these days, and the musicianship is great throughout. The rapport between Kreisberg, Penman and Ferber has been developed through countless gigs and it is just a pleasure to witness such relaxed, effortless meeting of great musical minds. And a special mention is in order about Versace who is better known as an organ player but can bring his one-of-a-kind creativity to the piano in an undeniable way. There is no run-of-the-mill mindless comping here, everything adds to the musical whole with a sparkling, vibrant tone.
Just when you think that you've heard all that can be done with these much-played standard tunes, this CD will expand your thoughts on the subject. With these open-minded musicians of the new generation of jazz greats, the tunes get naturally transformed to a new place with the other foot firmly in the tradition."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1