(Post-Bop, Contemporary Jazz) Gasper Bertoncelj (feat. Jeremy Pelt, Vincent Herring, Peter Mihelich, Boris Kozlov) - Caution! Hard Hat Area! - 2008, WEB, FLAC (tracks), lossless

Gasper Bertoncelj has delivered an explosive debut recording. Bringing together invigorating compositions and a truly all-star cast of musicians, including trumpeter Jeremy Pelt and saxophonist Vincent Herring, he is determined to impress. Gasper does just that, showcasing his brilliant technique while allowing his sidemen ample time to wow listeners. With high expectations in place for such world-class talent, Gasper has put together the pieces in just the right formation and does not disappoint. The high energy displayed at the start of the disc carries through to the very last notes and listeners will be carefully tuned in to catch every part of this performance. Caution! Hard Hat Area! is a clear marker for audiences to keep all eyes and ears on Gasper Bertoncelj as he explodes onto the scene with this striking and notable debut.

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Drummer Gasper Bertoncelj is from Slovenia, but his musical allegiances skew more toward hard bop than Eastern Europe. Caution! follows the Blue Note/Prestige approach of bringing together a quintet—pared down to quartet or trio on half the tracks—to play material (mostly his) in workmanlike, fairly minimal arrangements. The title tune, with a funky shuffle reminiscent of "The Sidewinder," begins with Pelt's Harmon-muted trumpet paired with Vincent Herring's alto sax, the former's solo prancing over the leader's buoyant beats. "Love for Sale," given a Latin flavor and a fast 4/4 in the bridge, is a quartet feature for Pelt's effervescent swing. Pelt echoes Clifford Brown and Lee Morgan on two other hard bop tracks, but it is on bassist Boris Kozlov's ballad "Ashes" that his command of long, lyrical lines shines forth. (George Kanzler, AllaboutJazz)

Gasper Bertoncelj – drums
Jeremy Pelt – trumpet, fluegelhorn
Vincent Herring – alto sax, flute
Peter Mihelich – piano
Boris Kozlov – double bass