Jake Hertzog - Patterns

Album review. His debut album, 'Chromatosphere', announced the arrival of a new distinctive voice on guitar. 'Patterns' consolidates that reputation.


Buckyball

Recorded November 2009 at Tallest Tree Studios, West Orange, NJ

Release date: May 8th 2010

Availability: CD, MP3 Download




At 24, Jake Hertzog is the latest Berklee Music School graduate to be making a burgeoning reputation. His debut album 'Chromatosphere' announced the arrival of a new distinctive voice on guitar. 'Patterns' consolidates that reputation.

The band is Jake Hertzog (guitar), Harvie S (bass) and Victor Jones (drums).

Set against Jake Hertzog's young ambition, the other members of the trio introduce a wealth of experience. Harvie S has performed and recorded Stan Getz, Chet Baker, Dexter Gordon, Jim Hall, Michael Brecker, Gil Evans, Mike Stern, Pat Metheny, Art Farmer, Toots Thielemans, Joe Lovano, John Scofield, Chick Corea, Erik Friedlander, Danilo Perez, Paquito D'Rivera and Pat Martino. Victor Jones played in Stan Getz’s band and has performed and recorded with Woody Shaw, Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Clarke, Michel Pettruciani, Dizzy Gillespie and Chaka Khan among others. He leads the group Culturversey which includes Jake Hertzog on guitar.

Like Bill Frissell or Mike Stern, Jake Hertzog's guitar sound is not that of the typical jazz guitar; it is open, with reverb, sustain and echo and very much a rock or pop sound. Yet he uses this to good jazz intent.

There are heavy numbers – 'Dipole', 'McJazz', 'California Hills' – that dazzle with energy and high level virtuosity and point towards fusion. There are quieter, sparsely accompanied performances that show a deeper understanding – a resonant take on 'Georgia On My Mind' and the cool and restrained 'Wistfully' – and material that intersects these two extremes - 'Sun Lovers' and 'Her'.

But it is the take on 'What's New' and the opening 'No Blues' that point clearly to how far Jake Hertzog is a unique voice in jazz with potential to be able to reach out to a jazz sensibility for a new audience for the music.

Recommended.








To preview and purchase Jake Hertzog - Patterns on CD at amazon:

amazon CD


To preview and purchase Jake Hertzog - Patterns on MP3 at amazon:

amazon MP3




RETURN TO: Jazz New Releases

RETURN TO: Main Page



Jazz at amazon.com