This is basically the same long-running band that played on Carl Winther & Jerry Bergonzi’s Steeplechase album, Inner Journey, which I reviewed in November’s Jazzwise. This set was recorded in America almost a year earlier – sleeve notes claim it as an American debut – and on this album most of the songs are Bergonzi originals. In addition, the frontline is beefed up by trumpeter Phil Grenadier, giving the themes an extra bite. Overall, the strength and structure of Jerry Bergonzi’s writing draws out more clearly the close relationship between the American saxophonist’s oblique, harmonically literate lines and Danish pianist Carl Winther’s sensitive voicings and touch. The six originals range from sparsely voiced, soulful themes sitting on fractious beats to wistful melodies floating over a loose-limbed slow medium walk. Winther’s twistythemed, up-tempo ‘Vertigo’ and spiritual ballad ‘Darkness’ add contrast to the album’s generally downbeat mood. Bergonzi’s amalgam of Wayne Shorter acidity and old-school warmth is instantly recognisable and is captured brilliantly throughout. Winther delivers in-style solos and voicing to match. With bass and drums providing solid accompaniment, but not much more, and Grenadier’s solos somewhat brittle and raw, the album only really lights up when Bergonzi and Winther take centre-stage. Great themes though, and a commanding Bergonzi performance.