(Jazz,Mainstream Jazz) David Berkman Quartet - Live At Smoke - 2009, MP3, 192 kbps

David Berkman is one of those quietly progressing modern jazz pianists who never tops the critics or listeners polls, yet always delivers sterling performances. His sound is not immediately identifiable, yet he is easily recognized as a highly talented and evolved keyboardist who rarely holds back or cops signature devices from any random jazz great. Berkman has performed numerous times at the New York City nightspot Smoke, and decided to bring his quartet in for two nights in 2006 to record favorite tunes from his repertoire. The band is a stellar grouping with the ever rising star drummer Ted Poor, workingman's bassist Ed Howard, and saxophonist Jimmy Greene, who is becoming a favorite of many large and small ensembles, as well as those who favor excellent current-day mainstream and neo-bop jazz. There's a playfulness to the music via the back and forth chatter between Berkman and Greene in "Weird Knack" before they settle into a darker groove, while "The Mayor of Smoke," for veteran bassist Ugonna Okegwo, sports a more implied melody in a slower, funky blues induced by Howard's stewing lines. It's a credible, at times invigorating modern mainstream jazz music played by the capable Berkman and his group, one that leaves you wanting much more.

David Berkman (Piano)
Jimmy Greene (Sax Soprano, Tenor)
Ed Howard (Bass)
Ted Poor (Drums)