Dave Santoro – The New Standard (2001 – Double-Time Jazz )

Bassist Dave Santoro has formed a “standards” quartet that effectively expands the philosophy of Keith Jarrett’s Standards Trio. Jarrett, along with drummer Jack DeJohnette and bassist Gary Peacock represent a “standards” unit, reinterpreting the great American songbook. They have had the market cornered in performing standards for the last 20 years. Santoro makes this concept one better with the addition of tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi, who is charged with reharmonizing the same American Songbook. This has resulted in three recordings for Double-Time Records, of which The New Standard is the third.
The present recording contains eight blissfully realized standards, none of which clock in at less than six minutes. The band has a casual, well-practiced swing, making their collective musicality sound easy. This recording sounds the least like a bassist-led affair than any other. Part of the reason for this is the relatively little soloing Santoro performs and the large amount of space the leader affords Bergonzi and pianist Chicco. Both men sound fresh and bright, choosing all of there notes intelligently and dynamically. Bergonzi, whose tone has long associated with a substantial Coltrane influence, proves down right lyrical in a full-throated sort of way that makes his playing more as attractive as that of the master. The two lengthiest pieces, “I’ve Never Been in Love Before” and “Witchcraft” provide copious example of the piano-tenor intuition in this band.
C. Michael Bailey

Tracklist:
1. I’ve Never Been In Love Before
2. I Remember You
3. Witchcraft
4. All of You
5. How About You
6. Let’s Pretend
7. You’re Too Marvelous For Words
8. The Best Thing For You

Personnel:
Dave Santoro (Bass)
Jerry Bergonzi  (Tenor Sax)
Renato Chicco  (Piano)
Tom Melito  (Drums)

(Original Release Date: August 28, 2001) Label: Double Time records DTRCD – 183

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