ETC Plus One

Down Beat (1/94, p.41) - 4 Stars - Very Good - "...Giving the album a fine counterpoise against Bergonzi's gruffer approach are LaSpina's Scott LaFaro-esque nimbleness, high-register lines, and interplay, along with Hirschfield's adaptive drumming...."

The second CD by the post-bop trio ETC (bassist Steve La Spina, pianist Fred Hersch, and drummer Jeff Hirschfield) adds tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi. Bergonzi, an always dependable player and imaginative writer, contributed three of the nine originals heard on the date, including two takes of the furious roller coaster-like "Splurge," the loping "Hank," and the driving "Conclusive Evidence." Hersch's understated tribute to pianist Bill Evans, "Evanessence" (previously recorded as the title track to an earlier CD for Jazz City), is a prominent feature for La Spina's strong chops; his rapid fire "Phantom of the Bopera" and lyrical ballad "Days Gone By" also serve to inspire the group. La Spina also wrote three numbers: the easygoing bossa nova "Once More," the mournful ballad "Without You," as well as the intense samba-flavored "April Nights." The lack of liner notes explaining the history of the group (this was their final collaboration) is disappointing, but that is the only reservation about this very enjoyable release. ~ Ken Dryden