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. GraeberWYNTON MARSALIS
From The Plantation To The Penitentiary
Various Blue Note Artists
Somethin’ New
ARJUN
Pieces
THE GODFATHERS OF GROOVE FEATURING REUBEN WILSON, BERNARD “PRETTY” PURDIE, AND GRANT GREEN JR.
The Godfathers of Groove
JEFF HEALEY & THE JAZZ WIZARDS
Its Tight Like That
THE IAN CAREY QUINTET +1
Roads & Codes
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