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Wayne Bergeron - Plays Well With Others
Concord Records
Journeyman trumpeter Wayne Bergeron acquits himself
well on this release and shows why he is one of the most
in-demand trumpet players in the world. While not well known due
to his tendency to be recorded as a sideman and studio player
more than a leader, Bergeron has released an album which might
jump start a second career for him as a recording artist in his
own right. He more than holds his own on his horn and has a
sweet tone many other trumpet players would envy. Hence, the
decision by the smart folks at Concord to give Bergeron his
first crack at being a leader on CD and showcase his talents so
the uninitiated can hear this talented studio player.
Featuring his own band (which he has lead for many
years as a popular nightclub act) and a special guest appearance
from Maynard Ferguson on the wonderful "Maynard and Waynard,"
Bergeron concocts an album filled with his interpretations of
jazz standards. As a trumpeter, I would not place Bergeron on
the level of a Miles Davis simply because he doesn't seem to be
forging his own style as much as just making exciting versions
of popular jazz standards with the rare original tossed in here
or there. Not that Bergeron doesn't have the talent or facility,
however. Bergeron is quite adept on his horn and has a wonderful
technique and skills to spare. It's just a different mindset. A
better comparison would be Doc Severinson who, like Bergeron
does now, had a breathtaking technique he decided to use in more
of a traditional vein instead of a groundbreaking one. What
Bergeron's album amounts to, then, is one hell of a fun listen.
Bergeron's band cooks and is tight as hell. Not only a marvelous
player, Bergeron also shows a lot of talent at bandleading.
This album would appeal most to fans of great
trumpeters as Bergeron ably holds his own with the higher
echelon of titans who choose to play that horn. While there is
going to be nothing groundbreaking here, this is an album one
could throw on at a party or an event and have people start
feeling real good about the music and having a great time. It is
an album with an infectious, fun spirit with the added bonus of
containing some great playing from Bergeron and everyone else
involved. This is well worth any jazz fan's money. - Scott
Homewood
www.waynebergeron.com
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