Josh Berman - Old Idea

It's hard to believe this is Josh Berman's first release as a leader, but despite any belief otherwise this fact remains. I wonder if it's something in the water in Chicago; Von Freeman managed to make it till the age of 49 before releasing an album as a leader, and Fred Anderson was in his 50s when his first release under his name came out. We should all be grateful Berman didn't wait that long since it's clear from this album that he was more than ready to take on the task.

Old Idea is an album fan's album, a cohesive collection of songs that retain a remarkable flow and continuity. Several times during my first listens I found myself thinking I was still on the first track to find that I was already several tracks in.

That's not to say there isn't a diversity of music expressed within, but the transitions and vibe are so smooth throughout that it's all one journey with various scenery throughout.

The band is made up of: Josh Berman on cornet, Keefe Jackson, Jason Adasiewicz on vibes, Anton Hatwich on bass, and Nori Tanaka on drums.

Berman shows his range as a musician and an improviser, providing thoughtful and lyrical lines mixed with a healthy dose of bends, flurries and malleable textures. His writing draws from a post-bop aesthetic with smattering of the inside-out approach, with the balance tending towards the in. Berman's rapport with Keefe Jackson is apparent throughout, their ability to blend timbres adding an important connection to the proceedings.

Jason Adasiewicz is quickly becoming my favorite "comping" musician in Chicago. I'm an unabashed fan of the vibraphone and his playing continues to provide the glue for so many ensembles that I enjoy hearing around town, with his playing as a common ingredient.

A great debut from Berman, well thought out and performed throughout with moments of transcendence interspersed throughout; Nori Tanaka's mallet work on the eponymous Nori, the three very different takes on Next Year, the balladry of Almost Late that works in a way only great ballads do. There's a lot to hear here and a lot to like.

Berman and his band, minus the deported Nori Tanaka and plus Frank Rosaly in his place, play tonight at the Hideout and Sunday at the Hungry Brain as record release shows.

Anyone in NYC should check Berman's group as part of this year's FONT on June 26th at the Cornelia Street Café.