Karl Berger Octett:
“In the Spirit of Don Cherry”
Review of the performance on January 21, 2006 at the Etna Festival, Catania/Italy
Karl Berger conquers an audience of young and old
with a clever and electrifying performance
A mixed audience – attentive and passionate – celebrated the extraordinary performance of “guru” Karl Berger. Dedicated to the memory of Don Cherry, a principal inspiration and great friend of Karl Berger the concert developed in a succession of pieces structured in a scheme that one might call “modular”, in the sense that each composition fit perfectly into the fundamental logic, creating a fluent and intelligible language, in a “physiological” as well as “philological” sense. This was a group in perfect sync with the intentions of the leader, with the musicians obviously selected for their own artistic abilities, but also - and especially so – for having been partners of Don Cherry’s in the past. This solid and coherent ensemble – composed of trumpeter Graham Haynes, Carlos Ward ( alto sax ), Peter Apfelbaum ( tenor sax, flute, percussion, piano ), Bob Stewart ( tuba ), Mark Helias ( bass ), Billy Elgart ( drums ) and the fascinating Ingrid Sertso ( vocals, spoken word ) – gave a great presentation in following the directions of the “maestro”, efficiently supporting the leader in his ideas and in his profound excursions on the piano and vibes.
It is too daring to come up with a critical synthesis of the musical thinking of Karl Berger, the multiplicity of his knowledge, his rapports with a multitude of cultural dimensions and his genial, future-pointing versatility. We are talking here indeed about a unique personality, expressing himself through an elaborate language that is, in its construction, unlike any common form or category.
This exhibition demonstrated Berger’s meticulous, yet solemn, openness to penetrating the ethereal universe of music, where all styles and forms coexist, filtered through his vision, which draws from evolved lines of free jazz in a subliminal and collective way, from parts of world music and ethnic characters, bop and experimental experiences, swing and European signals, converging in a transparent contemporary geometry.
Despite Karl Berger’s demands on deciphering the many passionate interventions – a multifaceted ground covering many ages – this performance enchanted the audience with charisma and with the indisputable mastery of a band that delivered an unforgettable
show..
“La Sicilia”, Jan 23, 2006