Paul Edis (piano)
(Review by Russell)
Paul Edis’ new CD is a two-disc recording of
compositions for solo piano. Recorded at the Literary and Philosophical
Society, Newcastle on 22nd July 2013 and 5th June 2015 on the Edis Music label
the release documents the pianist’s exploration of the art of solo
improvisation. The gatefold CD design invites the listener to choose the first
disc (to the left hand side) Just Like Me.
This is the most recent recording and there is the temptation to listen to the
other, earlier disc, first.
Temptation resisted, Just Like Me was first into the CD player. Twelve tracks (eight
Edis’ compositions, four others variously ‘jazz standard’ and ‘traditional’) of
considered piano playing illustrate the pianist’s innate sensitivities to compositional
structure, the physical relationship with the keyboard and that most elusive
quality…taste. Classical training has afforded Edis a command of his chosen
instrument and the opening two tracks – Montage
and Murmuration – suggest
classicism is ever present in his thought processes.
Jazz improvisation is upper most on tracks such as the
eponymous Just Like Me and John
Coltrane’s Giant Steps. A reworking
of Greensleeves and the commissioned
composition For Kathleen are
masterful performances, as is Percy Grainger’s Country Gardens.
The second disc – Not
Like Me – was first made available as a download. This double CD release makes
it an essential purchase for the audiophile. Twelve tracks (nine Edis’ tunes,
two instantly recognisable popular music tunes and a jazz standard), recorded
almost two years before the first disc, are of the same high quality. Pulse opens the disc and there is a
clearly delineated pulse running throughout the piece. Indeed, a rhythmic pulse
or flow is discernable across several tracks, notably My Favourite Things (track nine). Vignette has an interesting effect on the listener…Who’s that by?
The realisation that it is by Paul Edis is disconcerting because it is so
familiar! The opening notes of Bring Me
Sunshine raise a smile every time. Edis takes the tune for a walk, laughing
all the way. Dudley Moore and others would have approved. Sunrise closes the recording (Sunset
closes the first CD).
The CD was recorded, engineered, mixed and
mastered by Adam Sinclair and produced by Adam Sinclair and Paul Edis. Cover
design by Kate Edis.
Just Like Me/Not Like Me by Paul
Edis is available on Edis Music.
Visit: www.pauledis.co.uk
Just Like Me/Not Like Me is a five star recording. CD of the Year.
Russell.
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