Guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg and Mel Bay Records held a CD release party at the Jazz Standard [116 East 27th Street; New York, NY 10016] Tuesday September 13 for the label's newest disc, Unearth- a quintet date featuring eight original compositions. Kreisberg has been referred to as "one of the best-kept secrets in the New York Jazz scene"; obviously, that moniker isn't really appropriate anymore.

The Kreisberg Quintet features Kreisberg on guitar, Scott Wendholt on trumpet, Gary Versace on piano and Fender Rhodes, Matt Penman on bass, and "Mighty" Mark Ferber on drums. Much like the great quintets of Miles Davis or Art Blakey, this band has defined their sound. They work together like veterans, utilizing the utmost familiarity with each other to take their music to another level. They draw all sorts of colors, moods and grooves from the music, revealing a very mature sensibility while retaining the burning drive that is so vital to jazz. The two sets at the Jazz Standard really put these qualities on display. Other notable jazz musicians, including Ari Hoenig and Mordy Ferber showed up at the Jazz Standard, proving that the secret of this quintet is out.

The crowd really responded to Kreisberg's lush chords, Johnny Smith-like facility, blistering full-range runs, daring charts and melodicism. He also revealed a pocket deeper than George Steinbrenner's.

Known for a traditional warm jazz sound, Kreisberg did some sonic painting by incorporating various tonal effects including distortion in a very successful way. Evoking a range of sonic colors, his "tone palette" approach to music may have roots in Miles Davis and Bill Frisell, but has clearly taken on a new dimension. Kreisberg's success at the Jazz Standard proved he is a guitarist to be reckoned with, a promising composer, and a bandleader who hears ideas and is able to realize them. Jonathan Kreisberg has bridged the gap between promising young jazz guitarist and accomplished artist with something important to say. Look for his quintet to vie for awards and recognition with the best contemporary guitar quintets such as those of Adam Rogers and Kurt Rosenwinkel.

           Collin Bay

A New York City native and University of Miami graduate, jazz guitarist and composer Jonathan Kreisberg backed a long list of top jazz professionals before breaking out on his own. Unearth, featuring eight original compositions, is Jonathan’s fourth CD as a leader. He’s accompanied by Scott Wendholt on trumpet, Aaron Goldberg on piano, Matt Penman on bass, and Anthony Pinciotti on drums. When not on tour, Jonathan and his trio perform each Wednesday at La Lanterna in Greenwich Village. This enhanced CD also includes a Mel Bay Records interview, artist biography, photo gallery and discography.

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1. Minor Leaps 5:31
2. Until the Sun Submits 5:50
3. New for Now 6:32
4. Pacific 6:47
5. Microcosm for Two 6:36
6. Hobroken 7:04
7. Peru 5:04
8. Unearth 5:46