Customer Reviews

Piano Jazz

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

 

 

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.
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.

Part of the charm of this series is the chatter between Marian and whomever. She's a treasure, and I've found each and every Piano Jazz recording to give insights that further my appreciation of "standard" recordings by her guests. Entertaining and educational, what a deal!

Dizzy Gillespie and Marian McPartland have been in the jazz world for about the same number of years. As time marches on they both get better and better by themselves. It would have been much more enjoyable listening to this CD if they had not shared a lot of "bar talk" between each number. There might have been enough room on the CD for at least two, maybe three more pieces of really good jazz music had the conversation been held to a minimum.

Marian and Dizzy are beyound any doubt right up there with the greatest musicians. On this CD I think that they should talk less and play a whole bunch more. The CD is slightly over 57 min. long, there's only 41 min. of music. Need I say more?