Andy Martin - Jan Lundgren Quartet
Ed Barr | Valdosta, Georgia | 05/15/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a treat! A few seconds into this CD and it's obvious the listener is on an aural journey of jazz delight. With the exceptionally talented co-leaders, Martin and Lundgren, joined by the equally gifted Berghofer and La Barbera, and a dozen selections from the era of great American songs, this is a surefire receipt for musical pleasure.
Andy Martin presently reigns supreme in trombonedom. He is a consummate artist, a first call Hollywood studio musician, a lead player, jazz player or section member in just about every big band he can squeeze into a Southern California commuting schedule, and a clinician and frequent guest performer. His astonishing technical ability gives him complete command of his instrument. Just as impressive is Jan Lundgren, rapidly becoming recognized as being among the world's leading jazz pianists. Lundgren is a bop player and one whose inventive improsivations are characterized by their warmth and lyricism. He can reach deep into the soul of the music and play with the emotion of one firmly rooted in the blues tradition. Lundgren's ease of execution, articulation, and clarity of touch bespeak his classical training. Yet, with these two highly trained and talented artists there is no useless display of technique but rather a rapport, empathy and an understanding of interpretation that underscores their purpose for gathering in the studio: the music! It is clearly evident that these two listen to each other, building and exchanging musical ideas as they explore and interpret these tunes.
Often there is limited or no rehearsal time for jazz recordings and the challenge is to assemble supporting players who will jell and interact as if they are an established group. Chuck Berghofer and Joe La Barbera are much more than supporting players. Berghofer, Pete Jolly's bass player for 40 years, and a studio veteran with over a thousand recordings has never sounded better. His playing is consistently strong throughout this recording. Simply stated, La Barbera is first call. A session is planned, a drummer is needed, La Barbera is called, he can make the date, the worry is over.
Dick Bank is the producer of this recording and his unmistakable stamp is evident. And a nice perquisite that is. Bank has re-vitalized the fine art of jazz record production and he stands alone in this endeavor. Kudos to Bank for the wide exposure he has given to Jan Lundgren as well as Andy Martin and many other wonderful jazz players during the last decade. As one with a passion for facts and detal, he leaves nothing unaddressed. For his recordings, Bank seems to consistently uncover and dust off old, forgotten tunes that fit perfectly in the setting and leaves one wondering why these lost gems aren't played more often. The accompanying booklet is a work of art with bios, photos, informative annotation, and beautifully reproduced original covers of the sheet music for the selections. In addition to Bank's notes, Alun Morgan and Jan Olsson also contribute. This CD's quality of sound, as on all Bank productions, is outstanding. The Yamaha concert grand is recorded with bell-like clarity in the treble and the bass is rock solid. The balance among the group is perfect. This is recording and engineering at its finest. This CD is a triple treat - great playing by great artists, great selections of songs, and a Dick Bank / Fresh Sound package that is extraordinary. Recommended without reservation.
Ed Barr"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1