Dean Stockdale - Solo piano recital @ the Lit and Phil

Dean Stockdale (piano).

(Review by Lance).

The piano is without doubt the king of instruments. No need for bass and drums when you've got a well tuned baby grand - particularly when it's played by Dean Stockdale.

A slightly smaller in numbers crowd than usual (where were JNE? This would have been an ideal gig to promote this weekend's fundraiser) who were treated to a delightful hour of music with a capital J.

Like Someone in Love set the mood, Jimmy Van Heusen's immortal classic was followed by the not so well known piece by Johnny Mandel and Johnny Mercer - Emily. Lovely jazz waltz feel to it. Mingus was represented by Nostalgia in Times Square with the pianist somehow capturing the big band feel of the original.

Body and Soul, All the Things You Are, Moonlight in Vermont, Over the Rainbow, Kelly's Blues - an Oscar Peterson number that told us exactly where Stockdale was coming from and finally St. Thomas. I may have missed a number or two out (I'd came out without my pen) but that was the gist of what was as good as you'd get anywhere on a Friday afternoon - or evening or any day come to that! His chord voicings are sublime!

The north-east is blessed with some outstanding pianists and Dean Stockdale is right up there with the best - don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

Lance.