2007-12-03
The legendary jazz pianist Mike Longo pays tribute to his mentor, Oscar Peterson, in this foray into true jazz piano playing. Longo learned the ropes as the pianist and musical director for Dizzy Gillespie in the 1960's. Formed around the same time, The Mike Longo Trio has been delivering soothing jazz explorations for nearly four decades. Featuring Paul West on bass and Jimmy Wormworth on drums, this endearing record is as powerful as any of the great jazz legends. Highlights include Longo's "Diminished Returns", Freddie Hubbard's "Blue Spirits" and the homage to Oscar Peterson, "Tenderly." Other stand-outs include Longo's musings on Thelonious Monk's "Evidence." "Float Like a Butterfly" is a fine coda to an already legendary jazz performer. - Daniel J. Graeber
BOBBY WATSON AND THE LIVE AND LEARN BAND
Fronm The Heart
MARY RADEMACHER & RICK REUTHER
Two of a Kind
Gerald Beckett
Oblivion
JESSICA WILLIAMS
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DIGITAL PRIMITIVES
Hum, Crackle, and Pop
DIANA KRALL
From This Moment On
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