CD Review: Noah Haidu, "Standards II"

Listeners who miss the live piano mastery of Keith Jarrett, you have amply reason to celebrate Noah Haidu's performance of "Standards II" with his two soul mates, Bassist Buster Williams and Drummer Billy Hart.  I reviewed and loved Haidu's first masterpiece "Standards" that was released in 2023.  Haidu's second album is without question another masterpiece of musical greatness.  All three of these master musicians share their own sensitive perfect understanding of the seven standards on this album. 

This Jazz trio could possibly be the best trio performing today.  I know that's high praise but everytime I listen to this album, it seems to get better.  It's got the emotion, energy, creativity and sensitivity that is missing from so much of the new Jazz music I hear today.  It's a musical interruption of 7 aclaimed standards that we all know by three master Jazz musicians.  This CD is the lastest in a five-decade collaboration between Pianist Noah Haidu, Bassist Buster Williams and Drummer Billy Hart.  Haidu offers, "With Standards II", I've committed to performing with my own Standards Trio as a regular part of my touring Schedule.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to build a voice in the canon, and for the amazing response from audiences on our recent tours.  While I'm still composing my own music and continuing with various projects outside of the American Songbook repertoire, my Standards Trio is an important statement for me and an integral part of my identity as a musician".

I have selected and attached two "YouTubes" for you to listen to.  Selecting just two was a difficult task as this talented trio brings so much to each standard on this album.  The first song selected is the George and Ira Gershwin gem "Someone To Watch Over Me".   The second selection is an uptempo verison of "After You've Gone".  I encourage you to add this CD to your Jazz collection,  it's worth every penny you pay for it and,  I promise you will be playing it for years to come.

PLAYERS:

Noah Haidu- Piano

Buster Williams- Bass

Billy Hart- Drums

PLAYLIST:

1. Over The Rainbow

2. Someone To Watch Over Me

4. Obsesion

5. Days Of Wine and Roses

6. After You've Gone

7. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)