Search - Jerry Bergonzi, Bobby Watson, Victor Lewis :: Together Again for the First Time

Green light for Red Records All Stars!

Erik Werkman | Utrecht, Netherlands | 12/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"By coincidence I discovered this album and I must say that I have been very happy with it eversince. The names of the participating musicians boded well and fortunately the expectations were fulfilled: Victor Lewis (drums), Bobby Watson (alto & soprano sax) and Jerry Bergonzi (tenor sax) are the leaders of these Red Records All Stars, as the album is co-titled. The fact that Victor Lewis is mentioned first is nót a coincidence, because he is co-producer of the album and contributes two compositions and, more importantly, he has left a clear and brilliant imprint on the album as a drummer. No doubt that this is his finest hour and we have to thank the recording engineer for the crystalline recording, which provide us with the best possible sound (not only of the drums). Lewis' compositions are fine Wayne Shorteresque ballads: "De Voyeur A Voyeur" (maybe a hint to "The All Seeing Eye" by Wayne?) and "Those Who Get From Having Not". Victor Lewis is not a spectacular drummer, but careful listening reveals so many subtleties and nuances, which are hard to find in other drummers. He always plays for the music and not just for himself. Of course the other musicians deserve to be mentioned as well: Bobby Watson is his usual excellent self, contributing the urban sounds of "That's All Folks!!" and the happy dancing tune in 4/4 time "Out Of The Frying Pan", which immediately sticks in your mind. Jerry Bergonzi's tenor combines very favorably with Watson's alto and they throw off firing solos on different pieces; he also delivers two tunes to the session: the burner "Out House" which gives a jumpstart to the album and the long (over 11 minutes)and lovely ballad "Neptunian Verses". On piano there is the ever impeccable Kenny Barron, who shines brightly on all tracks and delivers his up-tempo swinger "New York Attitude" with self-assurance. Bass duties are shared between the equally solid David Finck (on six tracks) and Curtis Lundy (the remaining three tracks), each contributing one tune to this delightful package. Once more an album like this proves that excellent jazz was not only produced in the fifties and sixties, but that the tradition is carried forward in the best possible way by talented and seasoned musicians like this. Hopefully there will be a second time for this group to get together again!"