Review: Chris Bergson Band – Comforts Of Home
Chris Bergson Band – Comforts Of Home
Format: CD / Label: Continental Record Services
Release: 2024
Text: Bert van Kessel
Chris Bergson is a guitarist/ singer-songwriter from New York, whose music is deeply rooted in the deep South; he generously imbues his rock and blues with a whole lot of soul. This, his 8th studio, album features his longtime band with Moses Patrou on keyboards and vocals, bassist Matt Clohesy, drummer Diego Voglino and Jay Collins playing and arranging the horns, plus a bunch of special guests.
The 12 songs on the record were written by Bergson and his partner Kate Ross. A few tracks are co-writes with soul singer Ellis Hooks or multi-instrumentalist Craig Dreyer. It has become a very personal batch of songs, making this a sincerely warm album. On the electric guitar Bergson displays a subtlety and sophistication that perfectly matches the soulfulness of the tracks. A special feature of the album is an extra set of sizzlng horns, contributed by trumpeter Reggie Pittman and tenor saxophonist Michael Blake. They add an extra Stax flavour to these predominantly soulful songs. Thus the album becomes a perfectly balanced whole, alternating exuberant horn-laden tracks with warm and intimate ones, all bearing testimony to his happiness at home.
The album kicks off with the cheerful Feeling Good Today which immediately sets the tone for the good-natured atmosphere of the album, as Bergson proclaims “I am feeling good today, each time feeling better.“ Next up is Retribution, a co-write with longtime bassist Clohesy. It is characterised by inspired gospel-like background vocals by Vicki Bell and Alexis P. Suter. The swinging horns and keyboards will set your speakers on fire.
You Lied has been released as the first single from the album. It features legendary drummer Bernard Purdie, who lays down a supertight, funky New Orleans groove. The track also contains a exceptionally subtle contribution from piano master Dave Keyes. Another truly swinging numer is Laid Up (With My Bad Leg In Lenox) with eager horns and Bergson contributing a searing guitar solo. With a intensely soulful sax solo by Collins, Uptown Side is a truly relaxed celebration of their new home in New York City. Chloe’s Song was a written as a warm welcoming song for his baby daughter, who now as a teenager sings along on this sweet track. The swinging Latin Soul instrumental Moses Supposes was clearly inspired by the renowned B3 organist Lonnie Smith. The atmospheric guitar instrumental Epilogue ( Cycle 3 Descending) closes this soulful album and again displays Bergson’s amazing skills as a guitarist.
Chris Bergson sharing his happines at home surely makes us listeners happy too.
Tracks:
01. Feelin’ Good Today
02. Retribution
03. Comforts of Home
04. You Lied
05. Delussions Of Night
06. Laid Up
07. Sometimes It’s You
08. Think About It Twice
09. Uptown Side
10. Chloe’s Song
11. Moses Supposes
12. Epilogue
Website: http://www.chrisbergson.com/