Compositions Coast to Coast

Bassist Chuck Bergeron recorded this CD during a period of time when he was moving from New York City to Seattle. Six of the seven songs were recorded in New York with groups ranging from a quartet to a sextet, while "Emerald Anthem" was cut later in Seattle. In addition to his fine playing (mostly taking a supportive role with occasional solos), Bergeron contributed all of the numbers except for the closing "I Only Have Eyes For You." The most impressive soloist on the set is Charles Pillow, particularly during his two appearances on bass clarinet where he displays an original bop-based style; on tenor he recalls early John Coltrane. Trumpeter Randy Brecker and tenorman Rick Margitza are also heard from, as is Rick Mandyck on tenor during the Seattle track. Everyone plays well, and even if none of the episodic originals are destined to become standards, the music overall is pleasing and inventive.