Jerry Bergonzi - Lineage

Jerry Bergonzi has long been an important part of the New England jazz scene, while he may very well be better appreciated in Europe than in his homeland. This 1989 concert features the powerful tenor saxophonist stretching out on each of the five selections, backed by the driving, equally inventive pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Dave Santoro, and drummer Adam Nussbaum.

Starting with a roaring extended workout of Joe Henderson's "Inner Urge" that equals the fire of the studio version recorded by its composer with McCoy Tyner, the quartet quickly switches gears for a heartfelt, expressive rendition of the standard "Everything Happens to Me." The disc concludes with three strong originals by the leader, with the brisk, breezy Latin-flavored "On the Brink" sounding like it is descended from Charlie Parker's "Donna Lee." This is one of many excellent recordings in Jerry Bergonzi's vast discography. AllMusicGuide