Brooklyn, NY-based Chris Bergson & his band Chris Bergson Band provide the listeners w/ an amazing blues, jazz, soul & rock album that leaves 'em craving for more. Rarely is there a group of talented & accomplished musicians that join forces & successfully set their own bar as they due on this album released in '07 on the label 2 Shirts Records, but recorded @ Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, NY. With the assistance of Levon's recording right-hand man, Justin Guip, the album offers a wonderful balance, strength & clarity between vocals & instrumentals.
Chris' voice resembles a younger, jazzy/bluesy Gregg Allman. Ironically, Chris' bandmate Jay Collins (Levon's son-in-law), frequently performs w/ Gregg. Chris is the driving force behind most of the album's songwriting & takes the helm w/ the vocals & guitar. Jay receives songwriting credit for The Engine & provides the distinctive tenor sax sound & background vocals. Jay's wife (Levon's sole offspring) Amy, also offers her beautiful voice for some background vocals. The backbeat his held by the very talented Tony Leone, who is the drummer & co-lead singer for Ollabelle (Amy is also a member of this band). Bruce Katz, who needs no introduction, mans the B-3 organ & piano. Chris Berger holds the bass line.
Fall Changes is predominantly original, except for a gradually steadily increased tempo on Bob Dylan's When I Paint My Masterpiece & a cool rendition of Jimi Hendrix's Are You Experienced. We really appreciate the band's fresh approach towards those two covers. The original tunes seem to draw upon life in NYC, relationships & themes we'll learn more about the more we experience the album.
Bottom line....Chris & the guys provide fans such as us a timeless album. Thank you guys.
