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Vol. 13, No. 6: Dec.-Jan. 2008

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Bailey/Bergson "Reunion Of Souls": Independent Review


Bailey/Bergson
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Review of "Reunion Of Souls"

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@ iTunes
letter heryl Bailey and Chris Bergson These two young players met at a Jim Hall workshop in New York City in 1997. Both of them performed at this master class and everyone there knew the New York guitar scene was in for real shake up. As time went on, they have been gigging separately in the city and attracting very favorable reception. The two of them have developed an intuitive musical rapport, and this CD of April 2001 is the demonstration of this collaboration.

"Velvet Hammer" by Sheryl opens the set and is followed by "From the Window," a composition by Chris. These pieces go well together and showcase the depth of sensitivity and warmth these players can generate. They are pensive pieces and instill excitement and relaxation at once. Threre is ample solo time for theme development, and a generous chance to hear the guitarists spread out on the tunes. With Sheryl idnetified on the left channel and Chris on the right, it is easy to appreciate the interplay and understand the origin of the distinctive sounds they are getting.

"Homage," another Bailey original, is well done by the group, supported by Ashley Turner on bass and the drums of Sunny Jain. These players are all very creative, and have worked together on the New York scene. As a group, "Reunion of Souls" becomes a very cohesive force. There is no power play, and the blend is swinging and driving, yet relaxed at all times. They think as one without losing individuality. Again, the solo work by the bass and guitars is fresh and witty. "Reunion of Souls" by Ashely Turner, uses some effects in the head and takes on a soulful, wistful, eerie feeling. Chris and Sheryl take us through naturally swinging and pensive shoruses in this piece, and the superb backing by bass and drums keeps the mood of this tune. The improvised lines are complex, delivering lots of flavors and feelings.

The tempo shifts upward with Chralie Parker's "Segment." I was partial to the opening by the guitars. Again, the solo work is mature and clean. There is a real complementing of each other in the solos. "Grace," one of Sheryl's gems is a great example of upscale and modern guitar duet playing in the opening.

There is more: originals by Sheryl, who is as fine a writer as a player, and one by Sunny Jain, which stretches the envelope and demonstrates his rhythmic skills. The set closes with a fine rendition of "There's a Small Hotel" by Rodger and Hart, demonstrating a love and respect for the standards, and very personal approaches as well.

Wide improvising space is allowed in all the tunes, and we are given a good portion of improvised swinging, soulful guitar. The group is cohesive, and generates a feeling of joy of playing together.

This CD is a winner. "Reunion of Souls" is a winner. Each player is a winner.

© Just Jazz Guitar

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