Customer Reviews

Marian Mcpartlands Piano Jazz

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It is obvious from this disc that Gillespie is not a pianist. However that is not the point. He is a decent pianist and merely uses the instrument at times to show how he created music. Anyone that listens to the discussion about how "Manteca" was developed will realize that Gillespie is a person that is thorougly secure in theory and how it relates to the instrument. One should not listen to this expecting to hear a virtuoso. What is most impressive is that Gillespie and many musicians in this series do not always identify with the piano as their first instrument. The respect and friendship that they have with Marian is the main reason for their appearance. Gillspie in the last interview commends Marian and can be heard saying "I have some nerve to come down here and try to play piano next to you." This shows Gillespie's respect and acknowledgement that he is not trying to wow anyone and he should not have to HE IS DIZZY. Marian does this show so that she can learn and the invited musicians also learns from her. I think listeners to this series should take off their critic cap and learn as well.

Those of you who expect the duet between Marian's piano and legendary Dizzy's horn would be disappointed by this CD. Out of eight performances contained, there are only two such duets, which I can give five stars. Other duets are those of two pianos, one of which is played by, who else, Dizzy. He must be playing the piano just for kicks, not professionally, while Marian really had to support his playing while dueting. There is even one "duet" entirely by clapping, which actually sounds great.
Having only seen Dizzy playing the horn, I was surprised to hear him play the piano, though in a debatable manner. Nonetheless, his music theory with his own demonstration on the piano and with his clapping was interesting. It was also a pleasant surprise that he made a great contribution to 'Round Midnight, an undisputable jazz classic, in its intro. Without it, the master piece would have lacked a major appeal. By way of demonstration, he does the entire tune solo on the piano, while the real accomplished pianist besides him listens in composure. Does Dizzy sound like Monk? Well, yes and no.
One thing is for sure. Dizzy can express so much more with his trumpet, clapping and even his questionable piano playing than his own words (which is awfully limited). Well, I learned a lot.

This recording from January 1985 is well worth getting. Marians guest is Dizzy Gillespie, one of the greatest Jazz Trumpet players. Whilst Dizzy's Trumpet playing was a little past its best by this time he could still belt it out when he wanted to. Listen to the lovely version of 'In A Mellow Tone' on this recording. There is no greater examination of a Jazz musicians skill then when they have to play solo or without bass and drums. On this track Dizzy still has it. However I suspect he could only play Trumpet for shorter periods of time by the date of this recording. So on five of these tracks Dizzy plays Piano at which he certainly competent, but I expected more Trumpet.

Marian McPartland is the perfect host. A gifted Jazz Pianist in her own right and she gets the best out of her guests. Dizzy of course is funny, and fascinating to listen to. Telling stories about a few of the greats - Monk and Ellington to name but two.

Well worth getting, just a shame there wasn't more Trumpet.