Bruce Barth Somehow It's True CD

Bruce Barth's third Double-Time release features Terell Stafford on trumpet and flugel, Adam Kolker on tenor and soprano sax (and alto clarinet), Ugonna Okegwo on bass, Duduka DaFonseca on percussion, and Billy Hart on drums. In a rather ingenious move, Barth intersperses three 30-second solo piano takes of Monk's "Criss Cross" throughout the program, finally giving us a nearly full-length take as the finale. Furthering the Monk theme, he also offers a trio rendition of "We See" and a full-band version of "Light Blue." Two standard bossas also appear: a mellow trio reading of "Estate" and a lively take on Jobim's "Triste" in seven. There are only three Barth originals, but they range widely, from the 6/8 modal fury of "Tom Tom Thing" to the melodic solo piano feature "Somehow It's True" to the quasi-free-form "Solitude," the last of which is reprised toward the end of the program. The consistently stellar playing and the uncommon conceptual moves make this one of Barth's most refreshing efforts to date. ~ David R. Adler

Bruce's 3rd album for Double-Time shows him in a more adventurous light, adding the subtle textures of flute, bass clarinet, and tenor & soprano sax played by Adam Kolker, plus trumpet by Terell Stafford; also includes 4 solo piano interludes along with

Liner Note Author: Bob Blumenthal.

Recording information: Systems II, NY (02/26/2000).

Personnel: Bruce Barth, Terell Stafford, Adam Kolker, Ugonna Okegwo, Billy Hart.

Personnel: Bruce Barth (piano); Adam Kolker (alto clarinet, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Terell Stafford (trumpet, flugelhorn); Billy Hart (drums); Duduka Da Fonseca (percussion).