Customer Reviews

Songs Without Words

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The latest release from pianist Fred Hersch is a sprawling boxed set of 3 CDs loosely united by the concept of "songs without words". While this might be perceived as overly bold, excessive, or self-indulgent, instead Hersch's ambitious project is a shining artistic success and one of the finest jazz releases of the year to date.

The first disc, "Songs Without Words," consists entirely of Hersch's original compositions, the second, "Jazz Tunes," is a collection of songs by Monk, Mingus, Shorter, Ellington and others, and the third CD, "Music of Cole Porter," is, well, a selection of Cole Porter songs. While most performances are solo piano, Fred is joined by other players (including Ralph Alessi on trumpet and flugelhorn and Rich Perry on tenor sax) for some duet, trio, and quintet arrangements.

I was fortunate enough to see a live solo performance by Mr. Hersch just a few days ago where he played some selections from this release before an amazingly small audience of 50 or so people. (Being at Shank Hall in Milwaukee, he commented what an honor it was to share the stage with the famed Stonehenge model from "Spinal Tap.") Needless to say, these CDs capture the wonderful essence of this concert and more. This is the kind of set you really treasure, knowing it will provide endless hours of listening and discovery. Those who enjoyed his "Live at Jordan Hall" release will surely love this collection which has a similar relaxed and intimate recital-like atmosphere. The disc of originals is probably the most interesting and unexpected treat here... "Songs without Words" is a 6-part suite of pieces combining abstraction and lyricism in various short character forms. "Child's Song" is a particularly evocative extended duet with Jamey Haddad on percussion.

The predominant mood over all three discs is reflective, introspective, and a bit cerebral, but interspersed are a fair share of whimsical and rollicking pieces, such as "Caravan" and "Let's Do It". Yet my personal favorites are the lovely ballads, both the originals and the interpretations, which may bring to mind the pianism of Keith Jarrett and Brad Mehldau. Particularly stunning is the lightness of touch and richness in tone and voicings that Hersch displays here. Performances of "The Wind," "Mood Indigo," and "So In Love" will leave you breathless.

At the concert I attended, Fred revealed that this was originally conceived as a 4-disc release: the fourth CD would have been all songs by Antonio Carlos Jobim... imagine that!

With these discs, Fred has really won the right to call himself the best solo jazz pianist alive. The colors and textures which he achieves on these recordings are so varied and magical, ranging from his trademark monk meets scriabin counterpoint to the washy french impressionism to some sort of spirit of earl hines stride playing. the readings of the jazz tunes are all thoughtful, as are those of the cole porter tunes. fred's own songs without words are beautiful, particularly the aria and ballad which offer really nice harmonies. if you haven't heard fred's solo playing, and consider keith jarrett's to be the mecca of the medium, you're in for a treat.

just a little note regarding the previous review: he writes that it may bring to mind the pianism of brad mehldau: brad was a student of fred's, and so i think it only fair to say that brad's playing brings to mind FRED's pianism.

The previous reviews are right on target. This is a superb collection of diverse songs by diverse composers. Hersch shows his composing chops on the first disc with a gorgeous array of songs. He has played other people's songs so well for so long that it's only fair to let him play a few of his own. The standards on the second disc are by a pretty impressive lineup: Monk, Ellington, Gillespie, Shorter, Wheeler, Mingus, among others. Did he leave anyone out? Great original takes on these otherwise "standard" melodies. The third disc, Cole Porter tunes, calls to mind his Rogers and Hammerstein or Billy Strayhorn tribute discs, both equally great! Hersch has a way of putting his own stamp on songs and melodies that we should already be familiar with.

Bottom line: I love Fred Hersch's playing. He has a beautifully melodic and lyrical approach to playing these songs, whether they are his own or the compositions of others. Other jazz pianist may have more flash, but few, if any, have more substance.

p.s. Unlike a couple of reviewers down, I'd still give the edge to Keith Jarret . . . but not by much. . . !

I am a late bloomer with Fred Hersch. The Jazz music I am used to, from listening to with my Grandmother since I was a kid, Dave Breubeck, Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Zoot Simms is all I've ever cared to know. I have just recently been exposed to more contemporary jazz musicians such as Avishai Cohen and the Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssy and although very hip and trippy, a friend suggested Fred Hersch. I borrowed and have since bought this box set, Songs Without Words, and I can only describe it as being beautiful. Clear and whirlwind. The first CD, it's hard to imagine that the sound is completely piano playing in most of the songs, with a few hints of different instrumental whispers, the piano playing is really phenominal. This is one box set worth every penny, really a truely great musical investment. Probably the best I've ever made.

This is one of those cd's you must take with you on a trip to a desert island. The only thing I can say is: after hearing K.Jarrett playing solo piano I thought no one can never ever play better than that, but Mr.Hersch renditions of all the pieces is truly heaven-like music. This is the best thing I can say about a jazz solo piano performance.It should have been a 15 cd box instead of 3.If Mr. Fred Hersch ever reads this, I have a pray for him: please, play and record every music you know!

...Fred Hersch is truly amazing. I discovered him quite by accident when I wandered into the Virgin Megastore on Sunset Blvd. in LA back in 1996 and they'd set up a piano and he was there playing to promote his then latest album, PASSION FLOWER. I was hooked, bought that CD and then have since bought many more.

He's remarkable. He's smart. He brings new things to everything he does. Buy this, buy his other stuff. You won't be disappointed.

l o v e t h e w a r m t o n e t h a t f r e d b r i n g s f o r t h

Fred Hersch is a monster of the piano, a monster with three heads: a composer who can bend a somewhat postromantic language to surprising possibilities, a sharp interpreter of often rare standards, a genuinely original recreator of the Great American Songbook. Those three heads have all been decapitated and offered to you on the silver plate of this three cd set. And I say "silver plate" because the packaging and liner notes are just as elegant as the music (watch for the three glasses on the back of each case). There are times when he's been a bit more extreme, a bit more introspective, a bit more romantic, but he's never been so thorough. And I'm sure after contemplating those 3 heads, you will die to see the rest of his body of work...

fred hersch is a stylist, pure and simple. the three discs herein show us the complex nature of mr. hersch's approach to jazz piano, at times exploring classical forms, at times a bill evans introspection, and at times a monkish swing. the first disc tackles a classical song cycle exploring six different styles of song. mr. hersch seems to have fun with each song, exploring and pulling the form in a way that is intellectual, but at the same time free and easy. this disc closes with some revisiting to songs recorded earlier in his career, each thoughtfully reminiscent, but also fresh--like a good conversation with an old friend. disc 2 is a mix of standards and originals in straight ahead jazz forms. again, the solo piano work is amazing. here mr. hersch takes a decidedly bill evans turn exploring the song within the song. he pulls the listener inward, but in a completely fascinating way leaving you wondering just where he is headed. highlights here are "caravan", "whisper not", and "mood indigo." the final disc brings the two approaches together as mr. hersch explores the cole porter songbook. jazz has built up a repertoire over the last half century, and cole porter sits in the middle of it. mr. hersch, then, takes a classical turn at the collection, recreating the original form and feel of each song, but simultaneously swings and improvises on the themes presented. it is simply masterful. occasionally, mr. hersch is accompanied by one or two players, but overall this is a solo collection. the only beef, if you could complain about having too much of a good thing, is the size of the collection. it's... worth the price. enjoy!