Better Angels Peter Bernstein

• 1Perpetual Pendulum06:28
• 2Ditty for Dewey06:11
• 3You Go to My Head06:17
• 4Born to Be Blue02:54
• 5Better Angels05:53
• 6Hazel Eyes06:08
• 7No Problem05:53
• 8Lament03:47
• Total Runtime43:31

Info for Better Angels

It would be accurate to say that the quartet that Peter Bernstein has assembled for his remarkable new album is making its debut, but it would also be more than a little misleading. While it’s true that this all-star group – which teams the acclaimed guitarist with pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Vicente Archer, and legendary drummer Al Foster – had never played together prior to recording BETTER ANGELS, its members all share deep and long-standing relationships.

The result is the best of both worlds: striking interplay that can’t help but thrive on the chemistry generated by the various connections, combined with the high-wire energy derived from delving into the unknown. BETTER ANGELS extends that combination of the comfortable and the unfamiliar to Bernstein’s choice of repertoire, which pairs thoughtfully selected standards with bold new original compositions.

“Since this was our first time playing together, I wanted to play some things that are common ground for everybody,” Bernstein explains. “But I also wanted to document some new tunes while they’re still fresh. Hear these guys react to music that's new – and then reacting to their reactions – is really the fun of it for me.”

“Let's see what happens when we put these elements together,” was the spirit of the session as expressed by Bernstein, the thrill of experimentation still evident in his voice long after the date was so successfully completed. “It’s always a learning experience.”

“His technique is amazing, using a seamless combination of single-line and chordal playing, and his harmonic ingenuity is endless.” (The Guardian)

Peter Bernstein, guitar
Brad Mehldau, piano
Vicente Archer, bass
Al Foster, drums

Produced by Paul Stache & Damon Smith
Recording by Chris Allen
Recording Assisted by Ben Miller
Mixing by Chris Allen & Paul Stache
Mastering by Chris Allen
Executive Producers: Paul Stache & Molly Johnson

Peter Bernstein
Jazz guitarist Peter Bernstein (b. 1967, New York City) has been a part of the jazz scene in New York and abroad since 1989. During that time he has participated in over 80 recordings and numerous festival, concert and club performances with musicians from all generations. As a leader, Peter has released nine albums and a DVD, Live at Smoke.

He got his first break while attending the New School when he met the legendary guitarist Jim Hall. Hall asked Peter to participate in his Invitational Concert as part of the 1990 JVC Jazz Festival. The event featured such guitarists as John Scofield and Pat Metheny and was release as Live at Town Hall Vol. 2. by Music Masters. Hall noted that Peter “...has paid attention to the past as well as the future. He is the most impressive guitarist I’ve heard. He plays the best of them all for swing, logic, feel and taste.”

Also in 1990, Peter Bernstein was discovered by alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson and took part in the first of four recordings with him. He was a regular member of his group throughout the 1990s. “Some people just have it.” Donaldson said. “...most of the time you have to teach someone what to do, but Peter knows it all.” Peter has also enjoyed long musical associations with legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb (Cobb’s Mob), as well as organist Larry Goldings and drummer Bill Stewart as a member of their highly acclaimed trio. The New York Times called them “the best organ trio of the last decade”. Together they recorded a dozen of records, all of which display their distinctive sound, whether exploring the depths of jazz standards or playing their original compositions.

From 1995 through 1997, Peter was a member of Joshua Redman’s band and played on Redman’s Freedom in the Groove CD. He played with Diana Krall’s quartet from 1999 through 2001 and with Dr. Lonnie Smith, the legendary organist who made his debut on the George Benson Cookbook albums. He has also recorded five CDs with organist Melvin Rhyne, known for his association with Wes Montgomery. In addition, Peter has appeared in groups led by Nicholas Payton, Sonny Rollins, Lee Konitz, Tom Harrell, and Eric Alexander.

Current projects include his recent album, Monk, recorded for the newly reactivated Xanadu label. Together with Doug Weiss and Bill Stewart, he put their own spin on the rich legacy of Thelonious Monk.

In September, Bernstein released a solo guitar record, Solo Guitar – Live at Smalls (Smalls Live), an intimate recording that makes you feel like you’re sitting in the front row at Small’s jazz club in New York City. Peter’s an extremely elegant musician with a gorgeous tone that seems to relax you when you hear it. - The Jazz Bakery, Los Angeles

The jazz guitarist, among the most sought after in the New York area, has a feather-light touch, an encyclopedic knowledge of chords and the ability to play standards like he’s inventing them on the spot. - The Los Angeles Daily News

Mr. Bernstein is a fluidly improvising guitarist in the post-bop tradition, with control over harmony and a beautiful sound. - The New York Times

Peter Bernstein produces a warm, ringing, muscular tone which echoes that of such giants as Wes Montgomery, Jim Hall, and Kenny Burrell. - Jazziz

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