Customer Reviews

Another Side

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For years, Bob Florence has been (and still is) one of jazz's most imaginative and original composers and arrangers. He holds a prominent spot in my record/CD collection.

This new CD shows another side of his amazing talent (hence the title) as a sensitive, lyrical pianist trained in the classics. Each track on the CD gives Bob ample room to stretch his creative wings, and he brilliantly demonstrates the ability to treat a standard (such as "All the Things You Are," "Take the 'A' Train," and others) as if he had just composed it.

I've been a fan of Bob's music for years (especially his superb arranging for singers). To his many big band fans...you are in for a real treat. ENJOY!

When most of us jazz fans hear Bob Florence's name, we immediately think of his splendid big-band arrangements and CDs, but this new offering from the MAMA Foundation shows an entirely different Florence -- the melodic and thoughtful solo pianist. From the opener, "Take the 'A' Train," to the final tune, "Auld Lang Syne," Florence lets his fingers do the talking, and the result is reminiscent of some of the Bill Evans solo albums. "All the Things You Are," "Chelsea Bridge," "How Deep Is the Ocean?", "Laura," "Stella by Starlight," "Emily," "Sentimental Journey" and "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" -- either by themselves or as part of a medley -- are excellent, and you've probably never heard the theme from "M*A*S*H" played as Florence plays it. I've played this CD a dozen or more times, either concentrating on it exclusively or while working or reading, and I'll hear it a dozen or more times before it goes into the rack. To me, Florence's other side is even better than his big-band side.

I first came across the name Bob Florence via a tune on a Buddy Rich album (Willowcrest was the tune). The arrangement caught my ear and began listening to Bob Florence when I found out he had his own band. This album is solo piano and I've listened to it over and over and still listen to it and hear interesting things he does every time. I recommend the album to anyone who is interested in interpretive music..Love this album

I found this CD while looking for a good recording of "You Must Believe in Spring" (my favorite is by saxophonist Frank Morgan). I know Bob Florence in his big band glory, so I was intrigued by this solo piano project. The liner notes state he recorded this over just two evenings with no written music.

Think of a relaxing evening at the end of a long day, sitting next to your fireplace; and then imagine Bob walking in, sitting at your piano, and just playing the perfect mood-setting music.

Bob mixes standards like "Take the 'A' Train" and "How Deep is the Ocean" with a sprinkle of his own tunes, and even a couple of zingers like the theme song from M*A*S*H and "Auld Lang Syne." But it all mixes into a delightful soundtrack for a calm or romantic evening. This is my "winding-down" CD.

I love great jazz piano, but I usually prefer it with a rhythm section--drums and bass, at least. So, when a friend gave me this solo album by Bob Florence, I wasn't quite sure whether I would like it.

Well, I needn't have worried. Bob Florence didn't need a rhythm section--he carries this off quite well by himself. A couple of my non-jazz fan friends heard this and asked, "This is jazz?" Well, yeah, it is. And very good jazz at that. Florence just sits down at the piano--and brilliant improvosation leaps from his brain to the keyboard. This is very relaxing jazz that manages NOT to be the boring schlock that so much "smooth" (read: let's-make-this-really-syrupy-and-commercial-so-somebody-who-doesn't-know-what-jazz-should-be-will-buy-it) jazz is today.

The best tune on an album with no bad tunes is an unlikely medley--the theme from "M*A*S*H," Peggy Lee's "The Shining Sea," and the relatively sparsely recorded tune, "You Are There." This is the kind of medley that a great jazz player might perform spontaneously at a live gig--one that would have the audience captivated. One that leaves you saying, "How did he think to put that together?"

If you like great piano performances, whatever the genre, this album shouldn't disappoint. If you love jazz piano, then you'll love this album all the more.