Berkman, David
Challenge, 2009, CD
Instrument: Piano
Issue: 15.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: This recording is a fine piece of modern jazz written by pianist and bandleader. David Berkman. Jimmy Greene is the large voice on sax with Ed Howard (b) and Ted Poor (d) providing a strong foundation. It is a live recording at Smoke (formerly Augie’s), one of New York’s finest jazz supper clubs. The music is rooted in the club, as this is the place that Berkman used to refine his chops for several years when he arrived to The New York jazz scene in the late 1990s. The groove is vibrant, full of life and spontaneity. “The Mayor of Smoke”, a Benny Golson tune was written in honor of former house bassist Ugonna Okegwo. We also liked “Weird Knack” and “Along Came Betty”.
Publicist: Braithwaite & Katz
