CD Review: Pamela Hines - 3.2.1.

Pamela Hines (pno); David Clark (bs); Yoron Israel (dms). 
(Review by Lance).

We seem to have had an abundance of piano playing Pamela persons lately - well two actually, the other one being Pamela York. Both are fine players and it would be unfair to draw comparisons and I can honestly say I enjoyed them both in equal measure.
Ms. York chose to work her magic on some secular standards whilst Ms Hines - now there's a name to conjure with - went down Bill Evans Road and very successfully too.  The Evans' pieces are 34 Skidoo, B Minor Waltz and Loose Blues (2 takes). Standards were also in the introspective Evans mode. Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most, East of the Sun and a  delicious solo exploration of I Guess I'll Hang My Tear Out To Dry.

The album's title 3.2.1 derives from the fact that although it is primarily a trio disc, both takes of Loose Blues are played as a duo (bass and piano) and the final I Guess I'll Hang My Tear Out To Dry. track is a piano solo.

If I have one small reservation it is that I found the drum solos too long for a trio setting - particularly on the opening 34 Skidoo track. Others I am sure will disagree. That aside, I look forward to hearing more of her work. The problem I now face is which of the two Pamela's get's the accolade of CD of the Month?

Pamela Hines - 3.2.1. was released Spice Rack Records on January 15.

For more details visit  www.pamelahines.com.

Lance.