Today's review is for a CD that was released a while ago. I never got to listen to it until recently, and once I heard it I knew I had to get the word out. The CD, "Standards" is by Pianist/Composer Noah Haidu who is joined by Bassists Buster Williams and Peter Washington, Drummer Lewis Nash and guest Sax player Steve Wilson. The CD was inspired and celebrates the 40th anniversary of the remarkable Jarrett, Peacock and DeJohnette's first "Standards" album. Noah Haidu says, "There's something so vulnerable about playing in this context, when you're completely exposed. Of course, I love composing because you can create an entire world, your own language of sound. But with these old standards all you've got is your own musicality and the connection you have with the music and the players. That requires a willingness to let go and see where the song takes you, something that can't be taught or practiced." The theme of lost love is the emotional center of so many of the standards on this CD like "Skylark", "All The Way" and "I Thought About You". Haidu says "There've been a few painful breakups in recent years and I lost my father with whom I was very close. That universal feeling of lost love comes into play on so many standards, especially the ballads." It's wonderful that we have another highly-talented young Pianist willing to continue the Keith Jarrett tradition of spot-lightning a new look at standards for Jazz fans today!
I have attached two "YouTube" videos. The first is a beautiful presentation of . "Skylark". The second is the classic ballad, "Beautiful Friendship".
Larry Fuller has released his new CD "Overjoyed" and I think its a gem! Larry Fuller is a masterful pianist who has not only technical expertise but also the ability to emotionally connect with his audiences. One reason he has this rare combination of skills is because he learned his craft the old fashioned way, on the bandstand. Larry has varied experience playings with four giants of mainstream Jazz. He started with legendary Bassist, Ray Brown, then worked with vocalist Ernestine Anderson, moved to the musical wonder, Jeff Hamilton and then joined with acclaimed guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli. Four top level musicians by any measure and Larry brought and took from each one of them to develop his personal style.
Larry brought Bassist Hassan Shakur and Drummer Lewis Nash to join him to perform a great group of song from the "Great American Songbook" including Jazz, Blues Pop standards and some beautiful originals.
The playlist is a wonderful collection of songs with "Overjoyed" by Stevie Wonder, "Bossa Beguine" by Oscar Peterson, "Fried Pies" by Wes Montgomery, "Cubano Chant" by Ray Bryant,"Lined with a Groove" by Ray Brown, and the standards, "How Long Has This Been, "Going On"Never Let Me Go", and "Mona Lisa".
Larry Fuller is a Jazz giant and tours around the country. When he is in your area, let nothing stay in your way to see him perform live. I guarantee it will be a musical treat you will not forget!
PLAYLIST: 1. "Fried Pies" 2. "Overjoyed" 3. "Lined With A Groove" 4. "Jane's Theme" 5. "The Mooch" 6. "How Long Has This Been Going On" 7. "Cubano Chant" 8. " Mona Lisa" 9. "Bossa Beguine" 10. "Bossa Nova Do Marilla" 11. "Never Let Me Go" 12. "Go My Mojo Workin" Players: Larry Fuller- Piano Hassan Shakur- Bass Lewis Nash-Drums
I have attached two "YouTubes" from Larry Fuller's terrific new CD "Overjoyed" The first is Wes Montgomery's "Fried Pies" and the second is Stevie Wonder's class "Overjoyed".
