Customer Reviews

Round Midnight

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

 

 

For those familiar with Hazel Scott's lightning fast piano pyrotechnics, this album may be a suprise. On this album, the Juliard-trained pianist performs relaxing, delicate pieces accompanied by bass, and unamplified guitar--no drums. However, her great technique, jazz phrasing and unique improvization make this an album I have played over and over since I got it. Despite the slow tempo, several of the songs manage to swing nicely. As you can see from the title list, most of the songs are not well known.

The remastering is wonderful--the 1956-57 recordings sound like they could have been made yesterday. The CD comes in a cardboard sleeve like a tiny LP, with the entire CD itself being a reproduction of the old Decca label. It is pricey, but worth it for fans of Hazel Scott.

Hazel Scott was an incredible diva of music. This CD gives a different relaxed version of her usual fast-paced piano music. It still has her usual jazz/blues style infused into the music, but it is always great to listen to at any time.

I highly recommend this one. One of my goals in life is to obtain as much of Hazel Scott's music as possible to both listen to and play on the piano. She has a great style.

Hazel Scott belongs in the Pantheon: the heights and form of Billie Holiday, Lena Horne & others in that beyond-human realm of talent & fame. Because Hazel Scott's passion, whether intense or casual, envelops you from the first bars of any song. Listening to her interpr4etations makes you think of how fast her hands are racing over those keys, about how intimately she knows what she's doing...makes you think about cuddling up a whole lot closer to the person you're with! I blame it all on HUAC--it's a crying shame that Joe McCarthy & those peons were able to keep Hazel Scott from--so far--the place in music history she so richly deserves. Check out this, and all the other recordings, of her more-than-music.