CD Review
The Sofferman Perspective
One Stone; Two Birds
(Summit Records DCD 377)
by Gordon Baxter
Review date: October 2004
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The Sofferman Perspective are a seven piece jazz ensemble based in the Boston area. They are a slightly unusual outfit, in that they are led by drummer, Brooke Sofferman. The band already have two CDs to their name ("Modesty's Odyssey" and "The Green Between"). Both of these were well-received by the critics, so their latest release, "One Stone, Two Birds" has a hard act to follow.
All of the tracks bar two were written by Sofferman; several have family connections. The opening track, "Mimi's Mambo," is dedicated to his mother, "Bo-beh-lo" was written as a sort of musical pacifier for one of his daughters, "Ky By Sky" was inspired by his twin daughters, and "Boppa's Bossa" was written for his father. And "Purple Friggin' Dinosaur" is about what his children always seem to be watching on TV!
"Mimi's Mabo" offers a pretty good taste of what is to follow. Sofferman works overtime on the drumkit, whilst Norm Zocher (guitar) riffs for all he is worth. The twin horns start out in tandem, before the first (of many) fine tenor sax solos (Jerry Bergonzi) is followed by first a neat guitar solo, and then a drum solo, before the band drop back into the groove again. The mood throughout is fairly light and relaxed.
Perhaps the most intriguing piece here is "Griegarious Skang" which is based around classical composer Edvard Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite. It starts out using "Morning" before segueing into "In The Hall Of The Mountain King." It all works surprisingly well, which is perhaps testament to Sofferman's talents as an arranger. The only other cover here is Mike Post's "Magnum P.I. Theme," which was selected because it was Sofferman's favorite TV show from the 80's. It may not be quite as you remembered it, but it does wraps things up quite nicely.
As someone who appreciates, rather than loves, jazz, I found "One Stone, Two Birds" to be a mostly pleasant and relaxing way to pass the time. There is no doubting that the members of the Sofferman Perspective are all talented musicians. Jazz lovers will find plenty here to keep them entertained; jazz haters will not!
www.summitrecords.com
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