BERKANA

Fusion, long the bastard stepchild of rock and jazz, is here to stay. Morphing into the "Jam" genre of music, fusion is reaching larger audiences than ever.

Enter Berkana, a fusion/jam trio comprised of guitarist Nat Janoff (previously with Matt Garrison and Gene Lake on "Looking Through") Rave Tesar (of Annie Haslam's Renaissance) on keys and left-hand bass and Ray LeVier (from the KJ Denhert Band) on drums. This power trio seamlessly blends the groups backgrounds into a formidable sonic force. Rave Tesar's prog rock roots with Renaissance and his background with now defunct fusion group, Avenues, shine through in his technically stellar B3 work laced with groove. Janoff executes sheer wizardry with the guitar, flirting with Holdsworth inspired forms and McLaughlin's fret blasting fury. This guy must have been a rock player at one time judging from his power and groove and, forgive me, balls. The drummer, Ray LeVier, is one of percussion's best kept secrets. He lays down the beat with originality and prowess, never overpowering and shining with creativity. - Sea of Tranquility

Berkana is an electric fusion trio comprised of guitarist Nat Janoff, keyboard player Rave Tesar, and drummer Ray Levier. I have favorably reviewed two albums by Janoff in the past. His most recent CD, Looking Through, was quite impressive and set a very high bar for subsequent efforts. Tesar and Levier are heard for the first time on Berkana's self-titled debut.

The disc starts out with a bang with the Levier-penned “Whack,” which comes at you the way the word sounds. Its head is reminiscent of something Larry Coryell’s Eleventh House would have played 25 years after the fact. Then the band takes off, Janoff creating comet tails, Levier pounding away, and Tesar’s organ doubling with Janoff when it is not on a fusillade of its own.

“Spiral” finds the band in a Pat Metheny Group mode. However, after the melody is established, the trio veers off the reservation, leaving the clean, lush chords in its dust. Tesar piano playing on this cut is a highlight. “Behind Closed Doors” is Berkana’s idea of a jazz ballad. The Tesar original provides a fine showcase for his keyboard abilities and his left-handed bass playing, as well as further proof that all three players are strong composers.

Janoff reprises his own “Looking Through,” an uptempo rave-up, with this new lineup. He simply wails his brains out. That being said, it is not simply an exercise in self-indulgence—in fact, throughout the recording is a consistent dedication to the spirit of the compositions. The musicians may have chops to spare, but they make use of every note. There are no throw-away pyrotechnics here. Sounding every bit as good as Weather Report, but with only three musicians, Berkana brings the album to an end with Zawinul’s fun “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy.”

Janoff continues to prove he is one of the most versatile guitarists around today. Tesar must also be closely listened to. New to these ears, he impresses with his utility and imagination. Drummer Levier drives the trio to the finish line in first place.

There’s plenty of great jazz fusion around. But it is still rare to hear a group of musicians this accomplished playing original music of any kind. The fact that all three are fine writers is what puts this music over the top. They have collectively raised the bar even further.

- allaboutjazz.com

Berkana is a jazz-fusion trio hailing from New Jersey, featuring a very fast, fluid and flashy guitarist named Nat Janoff. His note-frenetic style will draw the inenvitable comparisons to Alan Holdsworth, John McLaughlin, and Scott McGill. However, the 8 tracks that comprise this disc aren't your typical fusion fare. This record is not wall-to-wall guitar pyrotechnics. Joining Mr Janoff are the very capable Ray LeVier on drums and the very talented Rave Tesar, who handles the piano and organ duties. His sensible playing takes the edge off some of Janoff's spicy solos and acts as a great counterweight. This contrasting sound tends to give this album a more traditional jazz feel. Although there are some very busy tracks, there are also a few ballads on this disc. The Tesar penned " Behind Closed Doors" features Mr Tesar on left-handed bass ( which he undoubtedly purchased at Ned Flanders' Leftorium). Another ballad is the silky smooth "Horizon" which has Mr Janoff slowing the pace down just a tad in order to inject more soul into his sound. This number also features a sublime piano solo from Mr Tesar.

What makes this record stand out from the sea of "yet another faster than light guitar extravaganza" is the contrasting styles of the musicians involved in the project. This tends to elevate the music above the over-indulgent fare often associated with this genre. Fans of pure flash may be left wanting more, but those who enjoy a more chops-heavy form of contemporary jazz may find this debut disc to their tastes.

- Sea of Tranquility

This record surely is a hidden gem. Nat Janoff, who made an explosive debut with bassist Matt Garrison (John McLaughlin, Herbie Hancock) on "Looking Through" teams up keyboardist and elft hand bassist Rave Tesar (Annie Haslam's Renaissance) and veteran drummer Ray LeVier (Mike Stern, Wayne Krantz, Alex Skolnick). The eight tunes are funky, jazzy and rocking with strong grooves and yeah, Nat ripps on it. "Whack" will remind you of Sly and the Family Stone groove. The record closes with a fitting version of Joe Zawinul's "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy"!! Check it out! - Written by Souvik from Abstract Logix

APRIL 2005 Debut CD release from new band, BERKANA, featuring jazz/fusion guitarist, Nat Janoff (previously with Matt Garrison and Gene lake on The Nat Janoff Group's album, "Looking Through") Rave Tesar (of Annie Haslam's Renaissance) on keys and left-hand bass, and Ray LeVier (from the KJ Denhert Band) on drums. In the vein of Scofield (A-Go-Go) and Lane/Sipe's endeavor, Apt, Q-258. Three strong and talented players, one great album. - Ian Glashaus for jazzreview.com

DYNAMIC MOJO!
I LOVE THIS KIND OF GROOVE JAZZ. WHEN THE LEAD GUITAR COMES IN, ITS A PERFECT CHANGE. THE BAND IS TIGHT AND REMINDS OF SOULIVE. BASS IS FLUID WITH DRUMMER. KEYS ARE GREAT AND ALL OF YOU ARE IN GREAT TIME TOGETHER. I WOULD BUY YOUR CD.
Extra Credit: Drums, Bass, Keyboards, Production, Beat, Originality, Most Rocking Track.
TREYILDERTON Charleston, West Virginia May 7th, 2005

LUSH SOUND
Well-played, organic introduction leads nicely into an extremely funky off-beat head. Really well done! I love the development of the voices, the drumming, the general vibe. The guitarist obviously has quite about of flash to his tecnique, and the keyboard player is no slouch either. Well composed melody, hot guitar solo. Love the tone on the solo. I feel like the guitar could be a little bit further up in the mix, especially with some of those really tasty be-bop lines... Awesome flash at the solo's end. This is a virtuosic group playing their own thing at an extremely high level, well worth the listen. I am reminded of Scofield (A Go Go), naturally, but this has its own character to it. The organist really comes through with a moody, slower solo as well, way to mix it up.
Extra Credit: Guitars, Drums, Bass, Keyboards, Beat, Mood, Originality, Grooviest Rhythm.
Alcibiades New Haven, Connecticut May 1st, 2005

15/8 ANYONE?
Nice outer space intro. Let's face it. I respect anyone who can play a meter like this and not get lost. Kudos to drummer and bassist. Guitarist really has a lot of fire Keyboard organist is good too. I'm sure he's happier to play in 4/4:) Overall this is pretty well recorded. You know the problem I have with meters like this-composition. It often gears itself to lick oriented heads that repeat at the end of the meter cycle. I think that's the challenge-to avoid "place marker" writing. Anyway great musicians. This one sounds like a hit for you.
Extra Credit: Guitars, Drums, Keyboards, Originality.
jraney Kew Gardens, New York April 29th, 2005

OUTSTANDING!!!!
Nice intro..Great sounds from the get-go..Whoa!! this is my kind of thing..prog fusion with interesting time sigs and some outstanding musicianship and composition. Love the guitar playing although there is always room for improvement. Cool solo. Great keyboard chords holding everything together. Cool solo. Outstanding drums and good mix. bass was there but could use a boost in volume. Overall, great fusion in the tradition, Really enjoyed this fine composition.
Extra Credit: Guitars, Drums, Bass, Keyboards, Production, Melody, Beat, Mood, Most Rocking Track.
stevemorris Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom April 27th, 2005

GREAT STUFF HERE
This is a great little jazz song, something that you'd hear on the radio, with all the elements that propel it to greatness. Every instrument seem to be performed flawlessly, and there is good tone color among them. THe drums themselves sounded excellent, especially in this genre.
Extra Credit: Guitars, Drums, Keyboards, Production.
alfonso Elizabeth City, North Carolina April 27th, 2005

JAM WITH JAZZ ROOTS
Interesting melody, and nice transition into Guitar/Key unison line. Very Jam influenced, but more substance to guitar solo than the typical "Trey" style-can tell you've studied jazz. Key solo- very nice as well, more chops than than a "jam" keyboardist, but I still think you guys would bennefit more by listing under jam band, although very fine improvisations. Keep up the good work.
Extra Credit: Guitars.
belgiangiant San Diego, California April 26th, 2005

RIGHT RIFF, RIGHT TIME
Love the keyboard sound, and the guitar tone, too. The drummer is right on, not too strong. The guitarist is a flash as well as technical, this is the real deal. Fusion jazz at its best. Top marks.
Extra Credit: Guitars, Drums, Bass, Keyboards, Production, Originality, Most Rocking Track.
mikewhitney2 Hayesville, North Carolina April 25th, 2005

THIS IS MORE LIKE IT
tight rhthym sec and loose enough jamming to make it pretty cool. used to listen this type of groove back in the day and like it still...
Extra Credit: Beat.
indiginz Pae, Aotearoa, New Zealand April 22nd, 2005

PERFECTLY FANTASTIC
Not only is this song absolutely flawless, it's captivating, technical, and original. The 4/4 + 7/8 time signature combination is always a teaser, and the whole band comfortably uses it to their advantage. A blazing guitar solo, Weckl-esque comping and soloing from the drummer, and great harmonies and soloing from the keyboards make this song a joy to listen to.
Extra Credit: Guitars, Drums, Originality.
deanchristesen West Springfield, Virginia April 22nd, 2005

EXCELLENT TRACK. GREAT GROOVE!
This track began fantastically. the reverse guitar reverb bits were wonderful. The rhythms that the keys and guitars played simultaneously were inspired. The drums kept a solid, funky groove going and never got dull. The performance was also very slick. The guitar solo may have been - reviews from garageband.com