June 2008

Bruce Gertz Quintet
Reptilian Fantasies
Open Mind

By Forrest Dylan Bryant

Bassist Bruce Gertz lays a solid foundation for this set, taking the spotlight only intermittently as he shapes 13 modern-jazz tracks ranging from exotic, winding melodies and gently creeping conversations to buoyant hard-bop and freewheeling rhythmic exercises. Longtime associate Jerry Bergonzi provides a bright spark on tenor sax (occasionally doubling on drums), while Ken Cervenka’s understated trumpet gives the album a certain moodiness. Gabriel Guerrero balances ornate and halting piano statements, while Tim Horner describes wide vistas on drums.