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. GraeberFOUR FINGER FIVE
Enormous Pocket
The Bill Belasco Trio
Three Musicians
MARY RADEMACHER & RICK REUTHER
Two of a Kind
THE DYNAMITES FEATURING CHARLES WALKER
KABOOM
Laurence Hobgood Trio
Honor Thy Fathers
BEN Wanicur
The Excluded Middle
The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.