AMG Review of Inside Out

Ken Dryden
All Music Guide

In spite of a productive career, tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi, like many American jazz musicians, seems far more appreciated in Europe than his homeland. For much of the 1980s and '90s, there were many more opportunities for him to record on the continent, with the Italian label Red being one of his frequent sources for sessions. Bergonzi's forceful sound owes a lot to Sonny Rollins on this date, while he also shows a bit of humor in his playing. The percolating "World" is a fine opener, with an underlying Afro-Cuban rhythm backing Bergonzi's robust solo. The catchy riff tune "Inside Out" lopes along, suggestive of Joe Henderson. There's only one standard, heard in two takes, with the alternate take being a little more aggressive and risk-taking. Pianist Salvatore Bonafede, bassist Bruce Gertz, and drummer Salvatore Tranchini make up the fine rhythm section, though the label forgot to include their names in this expanded CD reissue of the original LP, which adds two bonus tracks. Unfortunately, it seems to have lapsed from print and Inside Out will be somewhat difficult to acquire.