Like George Garzone, Jerry Bergonzi is a largely unknown tenor master. I realize that there are a lot of musicians who recognize his genius but there must be many jazz fans who have not heard of him. This is a terrific upload-thank you.
I first heard of Jerry in 2001 threw a sax player I was jamming with. I finally heard him on a Miles Donahue (sax, trumpet)CD. All I can say is every time I hear him my hairs stand up! This excellent performance of Joe Henderson's classic stands on it's own whilst honoring the original. This is fantastic improvised music played at the highest level of intensity and musical finesse. It's too bad the Masters of this ever evolving American Art from Jazz,are barely given recognition. As a free country (not) people can listen to what ever they want. It's just sad that most of the citizens from the u.s reject the only truly American Art form. You can't say it's a race thing. It was in the past of course. Just look at rap? That's outrageously popular. If we ever find our selves as a nation, maybe then my fellow humans in American will finally get Jazz... Really hear it. At least something of the many kinds of jazz music out there. I can dream. Jazz to me is part of that dream. There's angry jazz music out there Avant-gard,happy Music Dixie land, ragtime, be-bop,etc... Every emotion ever felt by a human being is expressed is some form of Jazz. Only Classical music has done the same. There's way deeper emotional value in Jazz n' Classical than just happy or sad. I ramble way too much. And yes I am and do feel foolish carrying on a conversation with myself in front of the world of You tube!😱 Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh
It's obvious how Jerry has studied other masters. He has Joe's sound and licks down yet puts his own creativity to work for a masterful solo. Love you Jerry! Hope we can hang soon!
Q. asked to Brecker, why do you still practice so much? A. Gotta keep up with "The Gonz"! Q. Whats it feel like to be the best Tenor man in the world? A. Ya better ask Jerry Bergonzi that one!
Great Bergonzi. 1989: His Sound was just- a- bit- brighter than earlier recordings. Great soloist. Mulgrew Miller has his own thing but he has a bit of a suggestion of McCoy Tyner who was on the original Henderson recording way back in 1964.
This strict adherence to polypentatonic procedure can (be and) sound very formulaic and predictable even more than bop licks.. but every now and then it just sounds like truly great music here is an example. I said this to Mr. Bergonzi at Jazz Cup in Copenhagen he responded yeah I can see that.
