Stranger in Paradise (Peter Bernstein album)


Stranger in Paradise is an album by jazz guitarist Peter Bernstein.

Background

Bernstein and pianist Brad Mehldau had recorded together several times previously, and bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Bill Stewart had played with the guitarist on his Heart's Content album.

Music and recording

Three of the tracks are Bernstein originals. The album contains "elements of hard bop and post-bop, including an intriguing, slightly off-center approach to 'Stranger in Paradise' and an intricate, moving interpretation of 'This Is Always'". Also covered are "a greasy arranging of Babs Gonzales' 'Soul Stirrin' ' and a breezy take of 'That Sunday, That Summer'".

Reception

The Penguin Guide to Jazz commented that this and Bernstein's previous album, Heart's Content, "work at every level".

Track listing

  1. "Venus Blues"
  2. "Stranger in Paradise"
  3. "Luiza"
  4. "How Little We Know"
  5. "Bobblehead"
  6. "Just a Thought"
  7. "This Is Always"
  8. "Soul Stirrin'"
  9. "That Sunday, That Summer"
  10. "Autumn Nocturne"

    Personnel