In Between & Those Days – Bernhard Lackner
Review By Brent-Anthony Johnson



Finally! A well-played, well produced, well-written, and even well presented CD by a great bassist/composer! This gives me hope! Bernhard’s ’06 and ’09 releases both sparkle with intent to reach beyond our happy little community of “32nd note slingers!” I listened to both these wonderful discs over the course of several days, and I was able to even hold a decent conversation while listening to them! Naturally, I say this in light of the fact that I review a lot of discs and many contain very little actual music! There isn’t a hint of the typical, “hey y’all, check me out” on these releases, and the world of music is better for both of these discs! Thanks Bernhard!



Bernhard’s tone is wonderful throughout both discs, and his ability to lead this star laden ship from the pocket is uncanny! Though there are very few outright “bass solos” on either disc, he leads very strongly a la Anthony Jackson. Though, how difficult can it be to lead an amazing collection of session masters like Jeff Coffin, Marcus Finnie, Derico Watson, Adam Agati, Blair Masters, Scott Holgren, Chester Thompson, Mike Bauer, Marco Minneman and others? Oh yeah, did I mention bass great Adam Nitti co-produced these discs? The few solos presented here are well worth the wait, and played with grace and beautiful note choices that the “real guys” select! Incredible playing lives in each tune on both discs. Good music makes me happy, and listeners will appreciate these well done releases. Must hear cuts, “Twelve Years Later” / “ItaloJazzer”