MUSIC REVIEW BY Jim Santella, Cadence
Weekly rehearsals in Curt Berg's Los Angeles area garage studio afford him the opportunity to try out his compositions
and to interpret them with various personnel line-ups. For his first recording as leader this quintet does a stellar job; the Stagg Street studio isn't far from Berg's home and garage, but it offers the acoustics to capture the sound of his ensemble quite well. Deeply sensual and emotionally moving, the leader's compositions allow plenty of room for individual expression as well as extended group interplay.
Tom Luer plays soprano on "Search Until You Find It," alto on "Midwick Man," "Bristlecone," "Double Down," and "Can't Get Off This Train" and tenor on the rest. He and pianist Andy Langham enjoy a lion's share of session soloing; however, everyone steps into the spotlight here with plenty of free will. The one quality that stands out for its adventurous appeal is the interlaced action created by Berg and Luer each time they step up together. The two horns work out consistently with woven voices that share thoughts and moods equally.
Two dedications to Gary Foster and Moacir Santos feature Luer's alto and tenor, respectively, as sparkplug for the quintet while they drive rhythmically with dramatic force. Berg's trombone keeps pace and his quintet does a winning job of interpreting his compositions successfully.
and to interpret them with various personnel line-ups. For his first recording as leader this quintet does a stellar job; the Stagg Street studio isn't far from Berg's home and garage, but it offers the acoustics to capture the sound of his ensemble quite well. Deeply sensual and emotionally moving, the leader's compositions allow plenty of room for individual expression as well as extended group interplay.
Tom Luer plays soprano on "Search Until You Find It," alto on "Midwick Man," "Bristlecone," "Double Down," and "Can't Get Off This Train" and tenor on the rest. He and pianist Andy Langham enjoy a lion's share of session soloing; however, everyone steps into the spotlight here with plenty of free will. The one quality that stands out for its adventurous appeal is the interlaced action created by Berg and Luer each time they step up together. The two horns work out consistently with woven voices that share thoughts and moods equally.
Two dedications to Gary Foster and Moacir Santos feature Luer's alto and tenor, respectively, as sparkplug for the quintet while they drive rhythmically with dramatic force. Berg's trombone keeps pace and his quintet does a winning job of interpreting his compositions successfully.