Plenty has been said about the development and evolution of various jazz musicians as individuals, and even about specific groups, but what about the special factors of background, geography and individual diversity? To what extent, if any, do these elements shape a group? Are sociological and other factors essential to the achievement of its particular Zeigeist? What, for example, may be the importance of the fact that the Elysian Spring has experienced much of its becoming not in the frenetic atmosphere of the city and big time music biz, but in the relative tranquility of the hills of Western Massachusetts. Is it significant that the members of the group come from both coasts of the United States and that their range of pursuits run from music to microbiology? From Jazz and "classical" to rock?

The fact remains that the group has a definite identity, a palpable "sound" of its own, and this despite the fact that at the present, only one member of the original trio remains. From the original Elysian Jazz Trio to the Elysian Time Machine, a quartet; to the present quintet, the Elysian Spring; a certain consistent essence has been visible; an identifiably unique ingredient. Jazz, unlike most other forms of human endeavor, has no fixed destination; no ultimate conclusion of achievement.

In the best and the most meaningful kinds of jazz the struggle and the search goes on and on, involving countless hours of practice, rehearsal and thought; and often many wrong turns and dead ends. Nonetheless, the rewards can be many, as all jazz lovers know and the journey of the Elysian Spring represents the real tradition of jazz in the best sense of the word.

Elysian Spring is:
Jim Bridges - Bass
Lenny Ezbicki - Drums
Bruce Krasin - Sax, Flute
Rainer Bertrams - Piano
Gerry Mirliani - Bass, Trumpet
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