Brooke Sofferman: Modesty's Odyssey

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: March 1, 2000

Drummer Brooke Sofferman has all the right stuff. His self-produced debut album shows that from its very start. This highly recommended quintet session features Sofferman’s loose modern mainstream compositions and an ensemble that permits each artist to express freely without falling into traditional roles. Bassist Thomson Kneeland solos lyrically and with a fluid technique. Guitarist Norm Zocher comps as needed and stretches out often. His superimposed harmonic interaction with saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi drives the ensemble with deliberation; particularly on "Shaodare." I could listen to Bergonzi all year long. To get an idea yourself, there’s a substantial audio sample from this album at Sofferman’s web page .

The composer employs odd meters, polyrhythms and changing meters to express his intended message. The result is quite refreshing and full of tricky surprises. Abby Aronson’s crystal clear vocal phrases make a welcome addition to the ensemble as she interprets lyrics thoughtfully, scat sings with moody abandon, and inserts vocalese energy in tandem with Bergonzi’s tenor sax passion. Sofferman’s creative ideas, applied talent, and his ensemble’s free spirit have produced a winner.

Track Listing: Beef Ellington; Dry Season; Shaodare; I Hear Mousie; Autumn

Personnel: Brooke Sofferman- drums; Jerry Bergonzi- tenor saxophone, add soprano saxophone on "Almost There;" Norm Zocher- guitar; Thomson Kneeland- bass; Abby Aronson- vocals on "Dry Season," "Steak & Eggs" and "Autumn

Record Label: YOBO
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream