Personnel:
Nick Brignola (as, bs, fl, b), Reese Markewich (p, fl),
Glenn Moore (b), Dick Berk (d)
For his debut album as a leader, reed player Nick Brignola
(1936-2002) crafted a very tasty post-bop program that not only showcased his
multi-instrumental mastery, but also highlighted his limitless and tumultuous
creativity.
Recorded towards the end of 1968, the album titled
"This Is It!" was released on Nick Brignola’s newly established Priam
label, in Albany, N.Y. As stated in the album’s liner notes, what started out
as just a musical get-together became a recording date. The result of that
occasion was this album, which brought together four musicians who had never
played together as a group before.
Their only preparation was a mutual feeling about music, and
the spontaneous energy and chemistry they generated during the recording
session can be heard in every track. The album’s approach leans more towards
the visceral than the lyrical, owing to the leader’s strong and invigorating
playing, as well as his inventive use of different instruments. Bassist Moore
and drummer Dick Berk provide Brignola with driving rhythmic support, while
Markewich’s comping is effective.
On a few selections, Brignola takes advantage of
multi-tracking opportunities, such as in “The Mace,” where he plays a baritone
duet, and in “Blues for Ose,” where he switches between saxello and bass. He
also demonstrates his doubling skills in the remainder of the album, switching
from one horn to another to add a splash of color and interest to the pieces.
—Jordi Pujol
TRACKLIST:
01. The Mace (Nick Brignola) 8:57
02. Blues For Ose (Nick Brignola) 8:27
03. Autumn Leaves (Prevert-Kosma-Mercer) 9:30
04. All The Things You Are (Kern-Hammersten II) 11:02
05. Sparky (Nick Brignola) 7:02
06. My Melancholy Baby (Burnett-Norton) 8:42
Originally released on 12-inch LP as Nick Brignola “This
Is It!” (Priam 101 LP)
Personnel:
Nick Brignola (baritone & alto sax, saxello, flute,
bass), Reese Markewich (piano, flute), Glenn Moore (bass), Dick Berk (drums).
Recorded at Kennett Sound Studio, Kinderhook, New York,
1967
Recording Engineer: Earl Kennett
Photography & design by Bob Mitchell
Original recordings produced by Nick Brignola and William
Rezey
This reissue produced for CD release by Jordi Pujol
Stereo · 24-Bit Digitally Remastered