Customer Reviews

Plays Love Songs / Trio

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

 

 

The album here entitled "Trio" is basically the same as Don Shirley's earlier album entitled "Waterboy." The Waterboy album was my favorite album for many years until its physical condition degraded to the point that I could no longer play it. Each track on the album is beautiful and the tracks are arranged together in a way the makes the who album mesmerizing. The "Trio" album appears to contain some additional material. In particular, the arrangement of "The Man I Love" which I loved in its original form is longer and even better. When I discovered that there were six Don Shirley albums on CD, I purchased every one of them (all but one double CD's) and I have been rewarded with many more beautiful pieces that I had not heard. I previously owned one other Don Shirley CD entitled "Don Shirley" - AFSD 5897 - that is not included in any of the CD's released thus far. It is also a wonderful album and I would love to see it re-released. Also, although I never heard it, from reading the reviews of other fans, I would love to see the "Gospel" album re-released. In fact, I will buy every Don Shirley album that is released. Please keep them coming!

I have listened to the Don Shirley Trio since the 70's. My favorite song of all time is "Water Boy". If I were shipwrecked on a desert isle and I could only have one recording this is the one. This man knows how to make music for the soul. The Trio's interpretation of tunes that are familiar brings a whole new meaning to the songs. Each time I listen I want to get up and move to the music.

The fact that Don Shirley holds three doctorates (Music, Psychology, and Liturgical) only further underscores the sheer genius of the man and his music.
As an example: The rendition of "The Man I Love", from the biginning to the brief quote from "Rhapsody In Blue", is played by THE LEFT HAND ALONE!! This is quoted from the original jacket of the Don Shirley Trio (Water Boy) album -- 1960. The Cadence record President says: "Though hard to believe without seeing it, the piano solo from the beginning to the brief quote from Rhapsody In Blue..."
The quote that it is hard to believe, is a gross understatement.

I have never heard anyone play "The Man I Love" the way Dr.Shirley does. It's 10 minutes of sheer joy! I love the Trio the best....from Water Boy to This Nearly was Mine....it's wonderful!

I used to listen to him live many, many years ago. It was great to listen to these so many years later. Great recordings.
Morty

The life and work of this great American musician has been inspirational for me and many others of my friends and family for over 35 years. His interpretations of American music are incredible and full of love for his art. Amazon has always honored my requests with perfect service.

Don Shirley's music is evocative - he plays with passion and displays incredible technique, honed with years of classical training. His jazz style is unique, filled with soaring melodies and fascinating parallel journeys.

I gave the Don Shirley Trio to my mother for Xmas. This was some of her favorite music years ago. Very pleased to find this.

Disc 2, which I knew many years ago as the "Don Shirley Trio" LP album, is incredible (which is not to slight in the least Disc 1, "Plays Love Songs"). Shirley has an inimitable style, and "Waterboy" is one of the great classics of jazz and belongs in the Jazz Hall of Fame, if it isn't there already. "This Nearly Was Mine" is one of the most poignant renditions you will ever hear -- if you've ever loved and lost, you can just feel your heart cracking on this cut (he gets you with his pauses every time). "By Myself" is another of my favorites on this album. As for Disc 1, curl up on the couch by the fire with someone you care about, and savor together the beauty of Shirley's mastery. You will never regret buying any album he's ever recorded!