Beyond Thursday

Album Review

Beyond Thursday reunites trumpeter Scott Wendholt's working quartet from the early '90s, a group that performed regularly at Augie's (now called Smoke) in uptown Manhattan. In an interesting twist, pianist David Berkman plays Fender Rhodes exclusively, perhaps reenacting the pianoless atmosphere of the band's old stomping ground. Bassist Tony Scherr and drummer Andy Watson complete the rhythm section. Working through an inspired set of standards and originals (two by Wendholt, two by Berkman), the band sticks to a straight-ahead concept but often delves into passages of unpredictable harmonic stretching — a phenomenon greatly enhanced by the hip, modern sound of the Rhodes. Wendholt's trumpet work is virtuosic, often breathtaking, yet always melodic and impeccably musical. Highlights include the contemplative ballad "We'll Be Together Again," Berkman's marvelously crafted "Not a Christmas Song," and the fiery readings of Miles Davis' "Pfrancing" and Thelonious Monk's "Well, You Needn't," both of which were staples of Miles' early-'60s repertoire. ~ David R. Adler, Rovi