Renowned pianist/composer David Berkman’s latest CD, titled Old Friends and New Friends, which was released on May 5 from Palmetto Records is Berkman’s first studio album with the record company in 11 years. Since then, he’s released a solo piano record and a pair of live small-group albums recorded at the NYC clubs Smalls and Smoke. This album also marks Berkman’s first new studio album of his original music since then. Berkman is joined by two new members of his recently-formed quartet – soprano and tenor saxophonist Dayna Stephens and bassist Linda Oh along with three other celebrated musicians who appeared on three of Berkman’s albums in the late 90s and early 2000s – drummer Brian Blade, alto, soprano and tenor saxophonists Adam Kolker and soprano, alto, tenor saxophonist/clarinetist and bass clarinetist Billy Drewes.
The album’s opening track, “Tribute,” has a slow piano intro then a soprano sax solo from Kolker followed by a tenor sax solo from Stephens. Then, the two go back and forth with Blade’s soft drumming in the background. This track, according to the liner notes, “pays homage to frequent collaborator Tom Harrell with its plains-spoken, but resonant melodicism.”
“Strange Attractions Them Birds,” the album’s fifth track, has deliberate, sweet and classic piano play from Berkman in its intro with Blade drumming lightly in the background. Then, deep soprano sax solos from Kolker and Drewes. Blade’s soft drum work continues and Berkman intermingles his brilliant tickling of the ivories throughout the rest of the song.
The third track, “Past Progressive,” allows all three saxophonists to shine as Berkman opens with methodical piano play. Then, he leisurely trails off with Blade’s drum work in the background along with strains of Oh’s soulful bass play. Berkman’s piano work then picks up sound again, but still with a moody, slow-paced tempo. Then, Drewes’ alto sax accompanies Berkman’s piano play. Then, there’s a pause and Kolker’s soprano sax, Blade’s drumming and Oh’s bass take center stage for a bit. Then, Stephens’ tenor sax enters the melody and all three sax players converge in a saxophone extravaganza with Blade’s drumming and Oh’s bass now a bit more prominent and the pace of the song amping up.
“No Blues No Really No Blues,” the album’s second track, begins with an alto sax solo from Drewes with Oh’s faint bass and Blade’s light drum work in the background. Then, Kolker enters the melody with his soprano sax stylings as Blade’s drumming becomes more pronounced. Next comes Stephens’ tenor sax solo and then all three sax players combine their talents into an incredibly ferocious jazzy rhythm with Berkman’s piano accompanying them. Then, Oh’s proficient bass work gets its chance in the spotlight.
In conclusion, Old Friends and New Friends from David Berkman brings together a group of musicians whose longtime association and friendship sparkles through their music.