Album Notes

Featuring Jonathan with his working trio
of Gary Versace (John Scofield, John Abercrombie etc.) and Mark Ferber (Lee Konitz, Larry Goldings etc.).

Excerpt from Liner notes:

"Jazz today is an art form torn between tradition and innovation - the genre's potent history at times overpowering the need for continual renewal that allows it to maintain the adventurous character that is a vital aspect of its inherently exploratory nature. When played properly, with fresh creative approaches to original and standard material, the music is the ideal Hegelian synthesis of the old and the new. This restless commingling of the past, present and future can be a daunting challenge for many players, but brings out the individual artistry in truly creative musicians; creative musicians like guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg, organist Gary Versace and drummer Mark Ferber. They have studied the jazz tradition intently and are intent on stretching it.
Jonathan Kreisberg is just beginning to receive some of the attention the commanding musicianship he demonstrated on his first Criss Cross release, Nine Stories Wide, deserves. AllAboutJazz writer David Adler has called him "truly one of New York's undiscovered treasures" and Time Out New York cited him as "one of the city's best-kept secrets." Guitar Player's Mike Varney has noted, "Kreisberg demonstrates a remarkable command of the instrument" and Cadence astutely described him as "a bright young guitarist who plays with sagacity and soul." Jazziz listed him among the top ten guitarists to watch, calling him "fiery and versatile." His impressive performance here guarantees that he will continue to receive praise of a similar order.
The guitarist describes his colleagues on the date with comparable effusiveness. "Gary is a special musician," he says. "He has come to the organ on his own terms. He's checked out a wide range of music, as opposed to some of the guys who come from a very specific 'organ tradition.' In this respect his style is a lot more akin to my own. There are references to that classic organ tradition, but I never feel like we are boxed in to it. Harmonically, he can also be very daring. I always have to be on my toes when we play together. By the same token, he makes me feel comfortable partaking in the shaping of the harmony as well. He's able to play an unbelievably demanding instrument, yet still be very open and aware of the other musicians."
In describing drummer Mark Ferber, the youngest member of the group, Kreisberg says, "Mark has perfect time and always brings a deep sense of form to the music. He is highly creative, yet always supportive. I've found this to be a tough combination to find. I always feel more confident when Mark is on the gig. He has the uncanny ability to make high complex figures sound natural and a consistent positive energy that always fires up the music."
The leader is particularly pleased to get a chance to document this working trio. "It was a great experience to be able to record the group that I had played with so much in the previous year," he says. "From the first time we played together it felt like a band, and that doesn't happen very often. Not only was there a great musical chemistry, but also there was the shared experience of struggling together in New York and on the road. I've also rarely laughed as hard in my life as I have with these guys. I think that 'serious fun' shows up a few times on these tracks......"