13 Nov
Familiarity by Mark Flugge with Gene Bertoncini & Michael Moore
- Written by Michael Casano
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One of the wonderful things about jazz is that the genre allows musicians a vast amount of opportunities to explore a musical idea to its fruition within certain grammatical constraints. A composer expects musicians to be able to explore temporal flexibility, rhythmic and harmonic relationships, and melodic structures, as well as abstract qualities such as fluidity and texture. What stands out on this CD is that these three excellent musicians simply play the music without the music playing them. In other words, each is content to share and never obliterate, explore the musical ideas within the boundaries given,and graciously provide and receive support without limping along. For instance, this trio consists of piano (Mark Flugge), guitar (Gino Bertoncini), and bass (Michael Moore). Without the benefit of a drummer, all must take turns being timekeeper. Often times this can be a thankless job without the luxury of swinging drumsticks, but never is there a sigh apparent, as this trio of highly acclaimed musicians perform the tasks at hand. Mark Flugge’s five original compositions are also impressive, particularly "Amour se lamente." Never overstated, the compositions caress rather than overwhelm, and whisper rather than shout. Perhaps what is needed more in this crazy world are times of cooperation, and an hour’s worth of music playing softly in the night.
Additional Info
- Artist / Group Name: Mark Flugge with Gene Bertoncini & Michael Moore
- CD Title: Familiarity
- Genre: Straight-Ahead / Classic
- Year Released: 2003
- Record Label: Around Every Corner
- Tracks: Brazilian Waltz, Ahmad, Amour se lamente, Yellow Days, Sleigh Ride in July, Music Music Everywhere, Erika Kristen, Beatrice the Cat, Familiarity, A Nightingale Sang in Berkely Square
- Musicians: Mark Flugge (piano), Gene Bertoncini (guitar), Michael Moore (bass)
- Label Website: -
- Rating: Three Stars
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Straight-Ahead / Classic - CD Reviews
