Jerry Bergonzi
Tenor of the Times  
Savant Records (SCD 2074), 2006

It’s been nearly 70 years since Coleman Hawkins established the tenor saxophone as a formidable voice in jazz. Since then, there have been many authoritative and spectacular contributions to music made by proponents of the tenor. Joe Henderson has delivered his fervent “State of the Tenor” addresses in two volumes and Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane convey a congress of saxophone virtuosity on “Tenor Madness.” Given these enduring moments it’s often hard to imagine that there is anything left to say on the instrument. Thankfully, Jerry Bergonzi tenaciously contributes to the sonic palette on his new recording Tenor of the Times (Savant Record, SCD 2074).

Bergonzi’s tone is rich, warm, and full of personality and engineer Peter Kontrimas captures every nuance from the subtle and reedy to the intense and edgy. Furthermore, Bergonzi’s expressive range allows him to manipulate his tone in virtually any direction he desires through an arsenal of articulations, vibratos, and other sound manipulations. The 6 Bergonzi originals on this recording are also packed full of personality and flare, ranging from the highly engaging rhythmic lilts of “Acookarache” and “Stumbelina” to the reflective “Cadiz” and the obligatory burner “Skill Shining.” In addition to the rich harmonic fabric disseminated by Renato Chicco on piano, the compositions and improvising have a wide array of rhythmic integrity. In particular, both Bergonzi and Chicco play with the pulse by alternating steady streams with a variety of interactive poly- and cross-rhythms with Andrea Michelutti on drums. Dave Santoro holds down the basic structure in a warm landscape of deep grooves, precise pulse, and over-the-bar phrasing when needed.

Thanks to Bergonzi, the tenor of the times appears to be good. Hopefully we can continue expect contributions to the legacy and color of the tenor saxophone from him. 

-Andrew Bishop (August, 2006)