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Got the spirit

James A. Vedda | Alexandria, VA USA | 04/12/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For those who love to hear the big band sound fronted by a thoroughly impressive trumpeter, this album brings back the fun we remember from the days of Maynard Ferguson in his prime. This is Bergeron's first album as a solo artist, in which he demonstrates, as his mentor MF did before him, that he's more than just a powerful trumpeter with extraordinary range. He can improvise and do the tender ballads as well as soar above the ensemble with seeming ease.

Some of the tunes are familiar, taken from movie scores ("Laura" and "Friend Like Me," the latter done Latin style), the classical repertoire ("Waltz of the Flowers"), and even the patriotic songbook (a nice new arrangement of "America the Beautiful"). My favorite among these is "Laura," a beautiful ballad that harkens back to the great ballad interpretations that MF gave us years ago, such as "People," "Maria," and "Hey There."

The original material is also very satisfying, including two pieces by Gordon Goodwin (the title track and "Horn of Puente," a Latin number that Bergeron recorded again a year later on the Big Phat Band's "XXL" album.) Also noteworthy is "Hospital Blues," a sensitive piece by Tom Kubis that has Bergeron on flugelhorn.

This album definitely belongs in the growing collection of releases that prove big band jazz is alive and well in the 21st century. However, don't buy it here. As of this writing, Amazon is not carrying the CD, and the alternate vendors listed here are charging outrageous prices (at least $[...] used, $[...] new). Go to Bergeron's website ([...]) and get it for $[...]."