City Newspaper Archives - 1/2007
Lumiere: "At Last"
Published by Frank De Blase on Jan 16, 2007
A custom Bernie Lehman guitar is a rare bird indeed. Rarer still are fingers that can really make one of these beauties sing. Lumiere's Roy Berns has got 10 of 'em and they coax, caress, and cajole Django-esque phrases and rhythms of aching fire and beauty. Equally proficient are upright bassist Brian Williams, who brings the swing wherever he goes, and accordionist Ed Marris, whose digits give color to the melodious scene.
At Last is a beautiful departure; you're swept away instantly to all those images that gypsy jazz paints. Cafés, cobblestones, fresh bread, coffee, and hand-rolled cigarettes --- all props in Lumiere's romantically picturesque music. The trio belies the music's complexity with an unparalleled talent and elegance. At Last is both simple and essential.
