Customer Reviews

Ballads/Solo Jazz Standards

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Andre Previn has always been an underrated jazz pianist. Because of his astonishing variety of successes as a classical conductor, pianist and composer; a film composer; a songwriter; and a performer of romantic cocktail music, he has been eyed suspiciously by the jazz community. In fact, his Tatum-like virtuosity, and his wildly unique and often playfully humorous piano style has made him one of the most interesting, innovative, and entertaining jazz pianists around. His many trio albums on Contemporary Records in the '50s (with Red Mitchell and Shelly Manne) still hold up as some of the best of their kind. But like Rodney Dangerfield, he never gets any respect. Thus, even his most kind critics are likely to throw darts at "Ballads" as too sweet and not swinging. Nonsense! It's not Monk, but it is nevertheless a beautiful set and a loving tribute to some of the greatest songwriters in Tin Pan Alley. Previn squeezes out every harmonic nuance of each song, yet he sounds like he's playing off the cuff in his living room late at night just to amuse himself. Previn may not swing like Teddy Wilson or Oscar Peterson on this offering, but I can't imagine any serious listener being left unmoved by his version of Burton Lane's "How Are Things In Glocca Morra?" It's simply gorgeous. Previn's amazing talents and his proficiency in many musical styles all come together in this unjustly overlooked CD. Give it a chance!

I'm an admirer of Previn as both classical and jazz musician, and in both categories he excels. This album has the same intimate, highly musical quality that you'll find in Keith Jarrett's The Melody at Night with You. What I appreciate about both is the fact that the pianist's invention always serves the music; it's never obtrusively artful or showy. Highly recommended. Do yourself a favor and get Jarrett's disc to go along with this.

This CD is perfect background music to listen to when you want to relax and destress. It's also a favorite of mine for background music at parties...at the beginning of the night. You'll enjoy his twist on old standards.

THe magic is gone. After reading the liner notes, I learned that someone at the studio asked Previn to make an album of just ballads. BIG MISTAKE. I think he was not in the mood.