Search - Bob Berg :: Virtual Reality

This CD is a Forgotten Gem.

MarchHair | Oxnard, CA United States | 02/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"On this CD, we find Mr. Berg in good form and this is how I would like to remember him. Both the writing and the playing are very good. Berg's saxophone playing is robust and sensitive throughout the entire CD and there are strong contributions from both Jim Beard on piano, keyboards, and organ and Jon Herrington on guitars and mandolin. Overall, Berg has created a "Virtual Reality" of interesting impressions played in a variety of styles. The first track "Can't Help Loving that Man" falls right in line with Berg's earlier CDs where the listener is introduced to phenomenal playing and writing that is enhanced by unusual instrumentations. It took me a while to figure it out, but the percussionist Arto Tuncboyaciyan is singing in rhythm while at the same time blowing through a flute, highly original for a Latin interpretation of this tune.



There are only a couple of funk tunes on this CD, "Never Will I Marry" and "Amazon". The funk is not played blandly, but moves effortlessly into funk, pop, rock or Latin while retaining a very modern sound. "The Water Is Wide" is a nice track where we find Berg playing in a gospel style and there is nice section in the middle where mandolin, piano and drums are playing a delightful march that adds variety to all else. "On Second Thought" showcases Berg's formidable skills on soprano saxophone. He sounds like Wayne Shorter playing on an African safari.



Bob Berg's excursions into country/folk music and old jazz tunes reminds me a little of Pat Metheny. There's a section in the middle of "Loose Bloose" which is in fact a blues with Jim Beard doing some nice ragtime playing in the middle. "Down Snake Hollow" is a nice optimistic way of wrapping up the CD. "Tanha" is a dark sounding ballad on which Berg plays with passion and intensity. With this many styles of music being played, it definitely pays off to have Will Lee or James Genus playing bass and Dennis Chambers playing drums.



To sum it up, this is an enjoyable CD that I have had no trouble recommending to friends. It's a good testament to Bob Berg's prowess as a complete musician."