Peter Bernstein - Better Angels (2024) [Hi-Res]

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.”

Peter Bernstein guitar
Brad Mehldau piano
Vicente Archer bass
Al Foster drums