Borah Bergman & Oliver Lake: "A New Organization" Live at the Knitting Factory

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

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Published: April 1, 1999

New York based modern jazz pianist Borah Bergman and alto-soprano saxophonist Oliver Lake go at it in a series of highly interactive duets recorded “Live at the Knitting Factory”.

On “A New Organization” the duo provide plenty of expressive dialogue and seemingly intuitive improvisations while Oliver Lake, a long-standing member of the World Saxophone Quartet revisits his avant-garde roots on this project. Bergman’s enterprising and thoroughly interesting piano exercises reside within the Cecil Taylor or Fred Van Hove school; however, his vigorous yet flexible approach carries an identifiable stamp of control and individualism. Lake and Bergman run through various motifs, peaks and valleys and generally presuppose each other’s intentions and articulations, which seems uncanny at times. Throughout, Lake provides ammunition for Bergman as he utilizes his vast musical arsenal consisting of an explosive technique, keen expressionism through extended notes, vibrato and unusual sounds from his alto or soprano sax. On the 14 minute “Forever Fervent” all hell breaks loose as the energy levels accelerate to near supernatural proportions.

All 5 compositions are by Borah Bergman as the modern free-jazz approach consisting of lengthy improvisations by both parties sustain interest. The synergy fares well as Bergman and Lake are working from similar planes. These guys are in touch with one another and the results are at times fascinating. *** ½

Recorded Live at the Knitting Factory on July 8th, 1997

Record Label: Soul Note
Style: Modern Jazz