The first 'vintage' album I've received this year and it's a lulu! If I don't hear a better piano trio album than this over the coming months I won't complain. How could I? Marian McPartland, to my eyes and ears, ranks alongside the all-time jazz piano greats and with this live album, recorded in 1972 at the Peninsula Library, Long Island, and recently unearthed for release in April, I rest my case. The technique is impressive, the solos relevant and meaningful, the harmonies rich and the empathy with her fellow travellers on this 78 minute journey, priceless.
Mentioning those 'fellow travellers', apart from their support and solos, which are impeccable, Cosello is featured on Milestones and Gilder makes his pitch on Toots Thielemans' jazz waltz Bluesette and all three turn Monk's Straight no Chaser
upside down, inside out - you name it!
A well-balanced mix of gassers and jazz classics from Dizzy, Trane, Toots, Duke, Miles, Monk, Rollins, John Taylor and the usual suspects such as Kern, Gershwin*, Victor Young, Van Heusen, Jobim, Legrand and Bacharach.
Royal Garden Blues makes an interesting choice. Perhaps Marian learned it from husband Jimmy, who no doubt learned it from Bix who would have heard the recording by ODJB who received the original copy from Clarence (or was it Spencer?) Williams. None of them could have foreseen this mega swinging version!
Although not released until early April the highlighted link below will give you a taste of what's to come. Lance
*Willow Weep For me is credited to Ann Ronell but George Gershwin is said to have composed the song and gifted it to her (as one does!).
Spoken intro; Stella by Starlight; Willow Weep For me; A Night in Tunisia; Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head; Giant Steps; Bluesette; Fire and Rain; Close Your Eyes; Things Ain't What They Used to be; All the Things You Are; How Insensitive; Theme from the Summer of Your Love; Milestones; Satin Doll; Here's That Rainy Day; Royal Garden Blues; Straight no Chaser; Sign Off/Oleo
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