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
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