Anders Bergcrantz - In This Together (1995)

Following immediately on the heels of a live recording at Sweet Basil in New York City, the Anders Bergcrantz Quartet (pianist Richie Beirach, bassist Ron McClure and drummer Adam Nussbaum) went into the Acoustic Recording Studio in New York City and laid down this album in two days. The album won Sweden's highest jazz recording award, "The Golden Record" for the year 1995, and it is easy to see why.

Beirach and McClure go back together to the early 1980s and the quartet Quest (which also included saxophonist Dave Liebman and drummer Billy Hart). Hence, they really know each other and make the sparks fly. Nussbaum is extremely versatile and in high demand, hence his huge discography. Bergcrantz is actually the youngest in the group and it is to his credit that he not only is accepted by, but also leads the great players.

The hot tunes written by Bergcrantz are the opener, "Wake Up" and the title tune, with the latter being a little darker and more mysterious. "Majoun" by Pete LaRoca is also a solid driving swinger with fine band interaction. Beirach is a wonderful player who is as interesting to listen to when he is accompanying as when he solos. In fact, the entire rhythm section sparkles behind Bergcrantz, with McClure and Nussbaum locked in tight as they drive the band.

There are four improvisations: three duets ("Emerald," "Sapphire" and "Ruby") with different personnel that are short and one quartet ("Axis") that is longer. The quality of this music makes one long for more in this vein and presents a refreshing change of pace.

In This Together is a terrific album and will get your blood moving.~ By Budd Kopman