Steven Bernstein - Hollywood Diaspora (2004)

Steven Bernstein's Diaspora series continues with Diaspora Hollywood, inspired by the great film composers who immigrated from Eastern Europe to New York and then to Hollywood, and also by the sound of cool West Coast jazz. Diaspora Hollywood has a great sound, like some kind of Jewish jazz noir with its rich, moody tones and haunting vibraphone. Pablo Calogero's woodwinds and flute mostly inhabit the low end, with delicious baritone sax, bass clarinet, and bass flute. Bernstein's playing will sound reserved to Sex Mob fans in comparison, but he's going for a very different mood here and his playing is exquisite. The songs are anchored by David Piltch's woody bass and the tasty and understated percussion of Danny Frankel with D.J. Bonebrake's vibes hanging in the air, adding cool colors throughout. It's a mostly laid-back affair that doesn't so much build in energy as it does in mood, totally immersing the listener by the end. Lovely. © Sean Westergaard