Formed in the early '90s, the quintet has made five recordings (with Bruce Barth replacing Calderazzo on the most recent, "Red Handed"), but the members play together as a group only three or four times a year. Still, there was no doubt about their camaraderie, which was apparent not only in their playing but also in the loose feeling onstage as they worked out such details as keys and solo order.
This was not a night of breakthrough solos or enormous risk-taking. That caveat aside, it was a warm set of straight-ahead jazz that reminded one of the pleasures still to be mined from a theme-solos-theme approach to the music.
"Proton," a Gertz original that opened the set, provided the positive charge its title implies. Calderazzo, who seemed much more comfortable than during a Regattabar performance with Branford Marsalis last month, anchored his driving middle-octaves solo with occasional stabs at the lower register. Bergonzi wasted no time getting going, and he finished his solo with a few well-placed screeches.
Gertz's "The Reach," with its bossa nova beat, surprised in some places, with Calderazzo bringing a balladic touch to his solo. Nussbaum directed the band through an assortment of tempos and textures throughout, adding exuberance to the otherwise reserved piece.
Gertz, who played acoustic bass on all but "The Reach," has a wonderfully direct tone that proves a solid foundation for his thoughtful compositions. He's not a flashy player; his solos quickly build interest and never overstay their welcome.
Bergonzi's "Splurge" featured some simpatico rhythm section work, with Gertz, Calderazzo, and Nussbaum hammering home their points as they built their section to a climax. Tadd Dameron's "Soultrane" closed with a forceful unaccompanied Bergonzi solo that ended too soon.
Calderazzo was on top of his game throughout the set, providing some real sparks during his solos on both "Splurge" and the set's closer, Gertz's "Deep Sea Vent." Goodrick, who understandably took a back seat this night, contributed a couple of tasteful, unadorned solos, including one on "Soultrane."
The group's Friday night appearance at the Regattabar was scheduled to be recorded for possible future inclusion on NPR's "JazzSet." Perhaps the rest of the country will get to hear what we locals have enjoyed for years from Bruce Gertz and friends.
