Well, he’s done a tribute to Jaco Pastorius and Jimi Hendrix, so why shouldn’t add to his impressive catalogue with a salute to the legendary bassist Scot LaFaro. Bromberg focuses on the Bill Evans trio time of LaFaro’s short career, bringing in a threesome of his own with pianist Tom Zink and drummer Charles Ruggiero.
What keeps this from just being a rehash of material is that Bromberg states the lead on his own, assertively digging in on pieces like “Solar” and “Waltz for Debby” and in charge on “Nardis”. Bromberg shows eye popping nimble finger work on “What Is This Thing Called Love” and gives a solo aria on “Danny Boy”. Zink sizzles on “Milestones” and is elegant for “My Foolish Heart” with Ruggiero cutting a rivulet on “Gloria’s Steps”. A fresh coat of paint on the Sistine Chapel of jazz bass.