Larry
Fuller (pno); Hassan Shakur (bs); Greg Hutchinson (dms).
(Review by Dave Brownlow).
Larry Fuller’s second piano trio
album as a leader showcases his formidable technique in the mainstream
tradition. Fuller, pianist in bassist Ray Brown’s last trio, also
worked with Ernestine Anderson and John Pizzarelli among others. There is no
doubt that Oscar Peterson is a huge influence on Larry’s style together with
other forceful players like Gene Harris and Monty Alexander. The material is all
very familiar – three songs from the GASbook, eight jazz classics plus a more
contemporary item.
The first three tracks – Porter’s
At Long Last Love, Ray Brown’s Parking Lot Blues and Clifford Brown’s Daahoud are uptempo blues-drenched
pieces full of “Peterson-like” licks, devices and phrases.
Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now is a gently flowing
version in which Fuller reveals much more originality – as he also does on
track 5, a moving interpretation of John Lewis’s Django. Peterson’s Hymn To
Freedom follows. Here the pianist suggests he has a “direct line” to OP
with lots of “blue notes” and clichés.
Three items from Duke Ellington -
a thoughtful Reflections In D/Prelude To
A Kiss and a rumbustious C Jam Blues.
A pensive Old Folks (Willard Robison)
subtly changes the mood and is one of the more successful tracks. Burton Lane ’s That Old Devil Moon is thoughtfully
arranged with excellent support from bass and drums. Here, tension builds to a
suitable release (in musical terms of course !)
Johnny Mandel’s Close Enough For Love gives us another
example of Fuller’s good taste in handling a ballad – expressive harmonies
decorate this fine song - with discreet accompaniment from bass and drums enhancing
the performance. Finally, Powell’s Celia
is taken at a tempo even Bud himself might balk at. Nonetheless, Larry Fuller’s
prodigious technique carries this through with aplomb – clean note-articulation
and two handed octave runs being quite striking.. Greg Hutchinson at the drums
and Hassan Shakur on bass give excellent support overall.
The CD will be available from Sept. 16 go to caprirecords.com.
Dave B.
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