Italian tenor saxophonist Gianfranco Menzella has released a new quartet CD dedicated to the legendary American saxophonist Bob Berg, a musician he greatly admired. The album consists of eight tracks, all associated with Berg’s work, with the exception of Mr. Berg, an original composition by Menzella in honor of the late saxophonist.
Bob Berg, initially inspired by the later works of John Coltrane, transitioned away from avant-garde jazz, opting for a more hard-bop approach. Throughout his career, he played with notable bands including those led by Horace Silver, Cedar Walton, and eventually, after a stint in Europe, Miles Davis. Berg’s life was tragically cut short in December 2002 when he died in a car accident during a snowstorm, struck by a skidding cement truck.
Menzella’s music on this album mirrors the later style of Berg, showcasing a warm and clear tenor saxophone sound within the hard-bop tradition. The opening track, Angles, kicks off with an uptempo hard-bop rhythm, featuring Menzella’s clean and fluid tenor lines, followed by an energetic piano solo from Macchia. In contrast, Promise, a ballad composed by Chick Corea, is rendered with warmth and lyrical finesse, with Menzella’s rhythm section providing solid, supportive backing, and Macchia taking on the role of a prominent second soloist.
Summer Nights offers a fast-paced, high-energy performance, while The Secret Life of Plants, a composition by Stevie Wonder, brings a refreshing change of pace. The quartet delivers this piece with a laid-back, medium-tempo swing, allowing Menzella to relax into a smooth, flowing performance, supported by steady rhythms from the ensemble.
While the album may not break new ground, it delivers solid, well-executed hard-bop, with occasional blues and ballad elements reminiscent of Berg’s peak years. Menzella’s tribute captures the spirit of Berg’s style, offering a fitting homage to the saxophonist’s enduring influence.
