Better Angels by Peter Bernstein
96kHz - 48-bit HD Audio with digital booklet including original photography by Christopher Kayfield and liner notes by Shaun Brady.
Bernstein convenes an all-star quartet for his stunning new release, BETTER ANGELS, featuring pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Vicente Archer, and legendary drummer Al Foster
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It would be accurate to say that the quartet that Peter Bernstein has assembled for his remarkable new album is making its debut, but it would also be more than a little misleading. While it’s true that this all-star group – which teams the acclaimed guitarist with pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Vicente Archer, and legendary drummer Al Foster – had never played together prior to recording BETTER ANGELS, its members all share deep and long-standing relationships.
The result is the best of both worlds: striking interplay that can’t help but thrive on the chemistry generated by the various connections, combined with the high-wire energy derived from delving into the unknown. BETTER ANGELS extends that combination of the comfortable and the unfamiliar to Bernstein’s choice of repertoire, which pairs thoughtfully selected standards with bold new original compositions.
“Since this was our first time playing together, I wanted to play some things that are common ground for everybody,” Bernstein explains. “But I also wanted to document some new tunes while they’re still fresh. Hear these guys react to music that's new – and then reacting to their reactions – is really the fun of it for me.”
“Let's see what happens when we put these elements together,” was the spirit of the session as expressed by Bernstein, the thrill of experimentation still evident in his voice long after the date was so successfully completed. “It’s always a learning experience.”
Tracklist
| 1. | Perpetual Pendulum | 6:29 |
| 2. | Ditty for Dewey | 6:12 |
| 3. | You Go to My Head | 6:18 |
| 4. | Born to Be Blue | 2:55 |
| 5. | Better Angels | 5:54 |
| 6. | Hazel Eyes | 6:09 |
| 7. | No Problem | 5:53 |
| 8. | Lament | 3:47 |
Credits
Recorded on April 1, 2024, at Studio A, Power Station, NYC
Produced by Paul Stache & Damon Smith
Recording by Chris Allen
Recording Assisted by Ben Miller
Mixing by Chris Allen & Paul Stache
Mastering by Chris Allen
Photography by Christopher Kayfield
Liner Notes by Shaun Brady
Brad Mehldau appears courtesy of Nonesuch Records
Piano provided courtesy of Steinway & Sons
Executive Producers: Paul Stache & Molly Johnson
License
All rights reserved.Tags
Peter Bernstein is one of the world's leading jazz guitarists. In addition to his impressive work as a leader, his pure guitar sound and flawless lyricism has been featured in groups led by Sonny Rollins, Bobby Hutcherson, George Coleman, Lou Donaldson, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Fathead Newman, Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau, Diana Krall, Lee Konitz, Jimmy Cobb and many more.