Customer Reviews

Phantom Fingers

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In the time period between World Wars I and II a large amount of ingenious (and often virtuosic) piano music was created by classically-trained but jazz-influenced musicians. Pianist Alex Hassan refers in his liner notes to this idiom as "NSR" - novelty/syncopated/rhythm piano. Most of the tunes on this CD are superb, albeit obscure, examples. Up-tempo numbers such as "Eeny Meeny Miney Mo," "Yes, Yes," "Originola," and the two very technically difficult novelties by Bill Wirges ("Igloo Stomp" and "Snow Shoes") are played by Hassan with infectious charm. The slower numbers such as the "Fantasy on Billy Mayerl Show/Film Tunes" are played with lyrical grace. These tunes have been playing in my mind ever since I bought the CD. I await Hassan's next offering.

I had only heard about six of these tunes before buying the CD. But the tunes are great, and so is the playing. The fast numbers are sort of like a cross between tap-dance-rehearsal piano and cocktail piano. This CD really perks me up in the morning.

The tunes are great, the playing is great. What more could I want? In the words of composer Sanford Green: "this Hassan guy is some kinda Horowitz!"

These tunes, although not well known, are really good. Hassan has not only the chops to play these highly ornate pieces, but he also has the right spirit. This is, basically, light-hearted dance music and his fingers dance lightly all over the keyboard. Makes me want to take tap-dancing lessons.

Superb piano playing coupled with great soun

I was so pleased to find this CD here. This piano playing is so energizing. I agree with all of the reviews below - a gem of a CD.

I haven't heard piano playing like this since I listened to a friend's collection of 78 rpm records from the late twenties and early thirties. Hassan really has a feel for this genre.

What can I add to what other reviewers have written? This is syncopated piano music at its best.