Roy Hargrove – Bern – Time Traveler Recordings

by Audiophile Audition | Apr 4, 2026 | Jazz CD Reviews, SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews | 0 comments

A Record Store Gem- Live Roy Hargrove from 2000…

Roy Hargrove – Bern – Time Traveler Recordings #TT- 003 – 180 gm audiophile vinyl -Record Store Day Release (4/18/26) – Limited to 3000 pressings – ****1/2

(Roy Hargrove – trumpet, flugelhorn; Sherman Irby – alto sax; Larry Willis – piano; Gerald Cannon – bass; Willie Jones III – drums)

The loss of jazz trumpeter, Roy Hargrove, at age 49, in 2018, is still being felt. Roy was a bright shining star in the jazz community, noted for his embrace of many musical styles, and a master of ballads. At a young age, he had already handled recording with strings, and embraced soul and hip-hop.

His live recordings were treasured, showing his mix of power and subtlety. For this Spring’s Record Store Day in mid April, his fans are in for a treat, thanks to the “jazz detective,” Zev Feldman, who in cooperation with Hargrove’s estate, is issuing a limited edition (3000 pressings), on 180 gm audiophile vinyl, of a 5/4/2000 live concert from the International Jazz Festival in Bern, Switzerland.

The acoustics are superb, as the concert has been restored and mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab. The sound stage is impressive with Hargrove’s touring quintet of noted artists (Sherman Irby on alto sax; Larry Willis, on piano; Gerald Cannon on bass; and Willie Jones III, on the drum chair) mixed well, and prominently featured.

The five tracks are full length are each musician gets ample time to shine. Irby, Cannon, and Jones are all still active, while we have since, sadly lost Larry Willis.

The Swiss audience is enthusiastic, recognizing the polish, and swing of the quintet. Irby fits in well with Roy, both matching Hargrove’s power as well as adding his own soulful playing, well developed as an integral part of Wynton Marsalis’ touring orchestra.

The LP opens with Frank Lacy’s “Stranded,” which was made to order for Roy, and was a personal favorite. It is non-stop energy, and the choruses fly with the aid of circular breathing. Liner notes indicate that the group improvised nightly on this group staple. There is an energy release, mid-tune, when Larry Willis has some mellow choruses, then he leads the group back into high gear.

Hargrove’s “Depth,” is next, and is done at 4/4, made to order for Irby. Roy is introspective, before taking off after the bridge. Willis and Jones have solos, as well. Next is a gorgeous rendition of the standard, “Never Let Me Go.” Roy is on flugelhorn, and his choruses show his mastery of ballads, with a burnished tone to die for. Gerald Cannon’s sensitive bass solo adds to the mood.

“Caryisms,” written by Hargrove for pianist, Marc Cary, shows the funky side of Roy. There is call and response, and references to The Meters, and Herbie Hancock. Cannon’s bass provides the underpinning, and Roy and Sherman play off each other, having fun.

The closer, “Circus,” has fine horn blend, and Irby’s alto sax runs seem to have the energy of Charlie Parker. Willie Jones III trades back and forth with the horns, before having his own space, and the horns take the tune out.

This audiophile quality LP is a great opportunity to experience Roy Hargrove in his prime at age 30. His charisma and talent is certainly missed. This limited edition LP is likely to sell out.

—Review by Jeff Krow