NYC – September 2022

This CD release from Ambient Records features Gene Bertoncini (Nylon string Guitar), in a unique duo setting performing with Sara Caswell (Violin), Terell Stafford (Trumpet), Jeff Hamilton (Drums), Mike Mainieri (Vibes) and Alan Bergman (Vocals).

The Music:

From the liner notes:

The lyrics of Alan Bergman and his wife, Marilyn, and the melody and harmony of Dave Grusin are the inspiration of this recording, and it’s a great honor to have their expressions of love and life represented here.  

What could be more beautiful than Sara Caswell playing Harold Arlen’s “Last Night When We Were Young” followed by her swinging reading of “Que Cosa” (What Is This Thing Called Love) showing her complete grasp of the jazz language and repertoire.

“Emily” is the perfect song for a musical conversation with Terell Stafford.  He listens, compliments, and develops a dynamically and rhythmically fresh expression for this Johnny Mandel classic; followed by Dizzy’s “Con Alma”, which turns out to be a bright samba for Terell to really cook on.

The project takes on a completely different character with the drums of Jeff Hamilton with his brushes from heaven.  He adds so much to everything!  Kicking, punching, and supporting, what a complete joy to be near him on “Gone with the Wind” and then swinging home to “Dum De Dum”.

Listen as Mike Mainieri takes to his vibes and opens up harmonies that are so new and moving that only he can do beautifully and introducing “Body and Soul” to an eventual improvised bossa – so great to have him represented on the CD settling into the wonder, “Angel Eyes”.

– Gene Bertoncini, New York City - April 2022

The Technology:

The basic tracks for this CD were recorded using predominantly ribbon microphones and vacuum tube preamplifiers direct to 176.4k/24bit analog to digital conversion. These tracks were then mixed thru a custom analog console and captured to 352.8k/24bit stereo. The resultant stereo recording was mastered in the digital domain at 384.8k/32bit. This hi-resolution master was converted to 44.1k/16bit to make the final CD master, resulting in a very musical sounding CD.