Steve Berndt comes to us from Ottawa. He is a trombonist and singer, which gives him a resemblance to the Swede Nils Landgren. A comparison that is pretty positive. Heart of Hearts is a program of eleven pieces, including eight original compositions for various formats, from quartet to large jazz orchestra. Berndt gives them pleasant outfits, sometimes swing, sometimes cha-cha-cha, elsewhere pop and samba. Berndt’s arrangements are generous, sunny, and soaked in optimism. He has enlisted a fine ensemble of seasoned musicians from the Ottawa scene, and the result is convincing, albeit in a fairly well-trodden register.
Some gems of 1970s pop resurface in successful arrangements, on par with the rest of the program: I Saw the Light (Todd Rundgren), Baby I Love Your Way (Peter Frampton), and Colour My World (James Pankow – Chicago).
Heart of Hearts offers itself without pretension for your friendly afterhours.
