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.