La Spina

Etc. Plus One La Spina

The second CD by the post-bop trio ETC adds tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi, an always dependable player and imaginative writer, contributed three of the nine originals heard on the date, including two takes of the furious roller coaster-like 'Splurge,' the loping 'Hank,' and the driving 'Conclusive Evidence.' Hersch's understated tribute to pianist Bill Evans, 'Evanessence', is a prominent feature for La Spina's strong chops; his rapid fire 'Phantom of the Bopera' and lyrical ballad 'Days Gone By' also serve to inspire the group. La Spina also wrote three numbers: the easygoing bossa nova 'Once More,' the mournful ballad 'Without You,' as well as the intense samba-flavored 'April Nights.'