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