Chuck Berghofer

Thanks for the Memory: The film Music of Ralph Rainger Fresh Sound*****:Bassist Berghofer, in great form, is the nominal leader here, but the main attraction is pianist Jan Lundgren, reunited with Berghofer and drummer Joe LaBarbera for possibly his finest trio album yet.

This tribute to composer Ralph Rainger oozes superior craftsmanship; the originals are respected yet turned into vibrantly swinging jazz by a trio which was clearly up from the start. There are examples of the art of mainstream/ bop piano at its best everywhere, from the opening Miss Brownto You and Easy Living,through the gemlike piano-bass duo of Please, an almost insouciant Blue Hawaii and Havin' Myself a Time, to the fine changes of June in January, Moanin' Low, Here Lies Loveand a signature Thanks for the Memory(with singer Sue Raney guesting). Recording quality is extraordinary, and producer Dick Bank's lovingly detailed notes are manna to jazz and film buffs. www.freshsound records.com