Peter Erskine: Bernstein in Vienna

Straightahead / Mainstream Jazz
premiera polska: 2024-09-27
kontynent: Ameryka Północna
kraj: USA
opakowanie: Gatefoldowe etui
opis:
Editor's Info
A towering cultural figure throughout the second half of the 20th century, Leonard Bernstein mediated between different musical worlds, borrowing freely from jazz, blues and popular music, eventually shaping a “classical” sound that became his deeply influential signature. From his decades of working alongside Austria’s most illustrious musicians, Vienna's JAM Music Lab University was inspired to celebrate his music & legacy. With the addition of drumming great Peter Erskine as a Visiting Artist in 2021 - bringing along his own decades of contributions to blending popular musics at the highest levels - they handed him the task of shaping the ambitious project. With this live recording, Erskine, JAM students and faculty, and pianist/musical director Danny Grissett, honor Bernstein's genius and fulfill JAM's chief mission - inspired by the jazz masters, educate and nurture jazz’s next generation - and on this night, Peter Erskine, and Leonard Bernstein, led the charge.

Marlbank * * * *
Here's a swinging, tone perfect, small jazz group live version of some of the gems from the Leonard Bernstein catalogue powered by Weather Report drummer Peter Erskine and beautifully arranged by pianist Danny Grissett - interesting touches include using harmonica (Bertl Mayer) as lead voice on 'I Feel Pretty'. Drummers check out Erskine's masterful touches on 'It's Love'. Great too to hear swinging guitarist Andreas Varady in this context - he makes 'Lonely Town' come alive. The whole album was recorded live at the Funkhaus in Vienna in October 2021.
by Stephen Graham

Jazz Weekly
Legendary drummer Peter Erskine brings together a band consisting of tenor saxophonist Robert Unterkofler, Bertl Mayer on harmonica, violinist Cozy Friedel, guitarist Andreas Varady, Danny Ziemann on bass and musical director Danny Grissett on piano for a tribute to one of America's great composers, Leonard Bernstein, at a concert in Vienna Austria back in October of 2021.
Erskine is a master here, creating irresistible crests for Unterkofler and Mayer's tenor on the hip "I Feel Pretty" while giving a workshop of a solo on the free range "Calls and Hollers" which features the entire front line. Grissett Is in shadowy form on "Cool" and drop dead gorgeous with Unterkofler's soprano sax during the jogger's pulse of "Viennese Summer" while the leader sizzles with Varady on "It's Love". Rhythms that would make a humming V8 engine jealous.
by George W Harris

The New York City Jazz Record
Composer-conductor Leonard Bernstein was a musical chameleon who effortlessly traversed musical styles and genres on which he built an unparalleled legacy. Drummer Peter Erskine (who celebrates his 70th birthday this month), along with the musicians that make up Vienna's Jam Music Lab All-Stars: Robert Unterköfler (tenor), Bertl Mayer (harmonica), Cozy Friedel (violin), Andreas Varady (guitar), Danny Grissett (piano) and Danny Ziemann (bass), embark on a captivating journey through the composer's timeless melodies in this live recording at the Funkhaus in Vienna, Austria.
Bernstein in Vienna's eight tracks are carefully chosen from Broadway musicals and offer a testament to the timelessness of Bernstein's music. The iconic West Side Story (1957), the charming Wonderful Town (1953) and the timeless On The Town (1944) are all represented. From the start, Erskine and the Jam Music Lab All-Stars demonstrate virtuosity, versatility and a keen attention to detail in this diverse selection of Bernstein repertoire. Their understanding of the maestro's work is evident in their interpretations, starting with the opening track, "Somewhere" (arranged by Alan Pasqua), which sets the tone for the session. Taken by the trio of Erskine, Grissett and bassist Ziemann as a ballad, they find layers of nuance with a warm, soft glow, breathing new life into this piece's familiar melody. Erskine's precise drumming and Grissett's sophisticated piano playing add depth to the chart. "I Feel Pretty" skips along brightly,
beginning with Mayer stating the theme, then segues into a solo by the harmonica player, showcasing his unique flair while Varady, Unterköfler and Grissett, against the swirling rhythmic undercurrents, provide color and texture to the number. Continuing in an up-tempo fashion, "It's Love" is buoyed by the leader's expressive rhythmic performance, setting the table for solos by Grissett, Unterköfler, Mayer, Friedel and Varady, all who are effortlessly charismatic. The closer is "Cool" (from West Side Story) in an arrangement that engages each member of the band, developing a sense of collaboration and camaraderie as their passion shines through each and every note.
In celebrating Bernstein's legacy, Peter Erskine and the Jam Music Lab All-Stars have created a fitting tribute to one of the most influential figures in 20th-century music
by Pierre Giroux

muzycy:
Peter Erskine - drums
Danny Ziemann - bass
Danny Grissett - piano, Musical Director
Robert Unterköfler - saxophone
Andreas Varady - guitar
Bertl Mayer - harmonica
Cozy Friedel - violin

utwory:
1 Somewhere 7:33
2 I Feel Pretty 7:03
3 It's Love 7:09
4 Viennese Summer 7:31
5 Lonely Town 6:59
6 Calls and Hollers 11:22
7 Some Other Time 5:40
8 Cool 9:04

total time - 01:02:21
wydano: 05 April 2024
nagrano: Recorded live by Andreas Felber for Ö1 Radio at the Funkhaus, Vienna, Austria on October 8, 2021

more info: www.originarts.com