Review by Nick Ellman, of Naughty Professor
I couldn’t make a list of top ten clarinet albums without including something in the style of gypsy jazz. As far as wind instruments go in this style, the clarinet is the perfect fit. The Rosenberg Trio is one of my all time favorite groups and Bernard Berkhout on clarinet doesn’t have any problem keeping up with these masters.
Because this album is the most modern release of everything on my list, Bernard Berkhout had the advantage of hearing all the greats who came before him and learning from them. You can hear the inspiration drawn from different players like Sidney Bechet and Benny Goodman with his fast vibrato and impeccable technique. He delivers each line without a blemish and all the intentionality you could ever want to hear. This is someone who learned all the tricks in the book and knows when to choose to use them.
My favorite track on this album is “Last Minute Swing” – another standout track that is also the biggest flex on the album. I just love hearing each player showcasing everything they can do and then some… it seems like their abilities are actually endless. Berkhout’s solo is absolutely epic. Check out the 32nd note triplet figures midway through. And the trading between clarinet and guitar is unbelievable. This album is full of tasteful arrangements and virtuosos at their best.
TRACK LIST:
- Songe d’automne
- Valse a Rosenberg
- Manoir de mes réves
- Duke & Dukie
- Last Minute Swing
- Stockholm
- My Blue Heaven
- Dense norvégienne
- Dinette
- Lentement Mademoiselle
- Clouds
- Mélodie au crépuscule
