Another Standard is an album by the American musician Bob Berg, released in 1997.[1][2] Recorded for Stretch Records, it was Berg's first album of standards.[3] Berg supported the album with UK and North American tours.[4][5]

Another Standard
Studio album by
Released1997
Recorded1996
GenreJazz
LabelStretch
ProducerBob Berg, David Kikoski, John Burk
Bob Berg chronology
Riddles
(1994)
Another Standard
(1997)
The Jazz Times Superband
(2000)

Production edit

Berg was backed by pianist David Kikoski, bass player Ed Howard, and drummer Gary Novak; Randy Brecker contributed on flugelhorn and trumpet, and Mike Stern on guitar.[6] Kikoski helped Berg arrange the songs and determine where they could substitute different key changes.[7] "My Man's Gone Now" is a version of the composition from Porgy and Bess.[8] "No Trouble", the only original on the album, was written by Berg.[9]

Critical reception edit

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic     [10]
Birmingham Post     [11]
Ottawa Citizen     [12]
The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD    [13]
Winnipeg Sun     [14]

Another Standard is considered to be Berg's best album.[15][13] The Independent wrote that Berg "is on good form, accompanied by a tidy rhythm section."[4] The Guardian concluded that, "while several pieces do spiral off into hoarse, multiphonic orbits, for much of the time Berg's intonation (particularly on resolving notes) resembles Sonny Rollins, and he brings to theme statements heard a thousand times a hollow, mournful tremor that refreshes them in completely personal ways."[16] The Columbia Daily Tribune labeled Another Standard "a near-classic jazz small-group recording."[17]

The Record noted that "Kikoski is a shining talent who often serves as McCoy Tyner to Berg's John Coltrane."[6] The Ottawa Citizen said that, "while the band's equipped with acoustic instruments, there's almost an electric fusion sensibility to the disc."[12] The Birmingham Post opined that the version of the Beatles' "Michelle" "is saved from its usual schmaltz pit."[11]

AllMusic determined that "the arrangements are lightly swinging, with a refreshing lack of electric piano or bass, and there's nothing really wrong with the album, it's just got an unshakeable air of 'been there, done that.'"[10]

Track listing edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Bob Berg Biography by Jason Ankeny". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  2. ^ Larkin, Colin (2004). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz. Virgin. p. 79.
  3. ^ Massarik, Jack (Oct 7, 1997). "Flawless Berg's summer sounds herald a mellow autumn". Evening Standard. p. 48.
  4. ^ a b Trapp, Roger (4 Oct 1997). "Jazz and Blues". The Independent. p. 48.
  5. ^ Moss, Khalid (8 Mar 1998). "Jazz fans who prefer...". Dayton Daily News. p. 1C.
  6. ^ a b Fox, Ron (31 Oct 1997). "Bob Berg, "Another Standard'". Lifestyle/Previews. The Record. p. 11.
  7. ^ Blumenthal, Bob (12 Dec 1997). "Berg's energy stays high with 'Standard'". The Boston Globe. p. D5.
  8. ^ Harvey, Jay (12 Mar 1998). "Intensity and bursts of wild freedom give jazz quartet compelling sound". The Indianapolis Star. p. A16.
  9. ^ Bellamy, Cliff (Dec 12, 1997). "Berg's performance helps set new jazz standards". Preview. The Herald-Sun. p. 5.
  10. ^ a b "Another Standard Review by Stewart Mason". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  11. ^ a b Bacon, Peter (Oct 4, 1997). "Jazz CD of the Week". Birmingham Post. p. 31.
  12. ^ a b Hum, Peter (7 Feb 1998). "Loud, Fast and Accomplished". Ottawa Citizen. p. E17.
  13. ^ a b The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD (7th ed.). Penguin Books. 2004. p. 131.
  14. ^ McLennan, Ross (Nov 21, 1997). "Jazz". Winnipeg Sun. p. 52.
  15. ^ "Bob Berg". The Times. 9 Dec 2002. p. 9.
  16. ^ Fordham, John (10 Oct 1997). "Music: Tremor sax". The Guardian. p. T22.
  17. ^ Poses, Jon W. (Dec 21, 1997). "Recent discs showcase depth of sax". Columbia Daily Tribune. p. E1.