Lou Levy - I m Old Fashioned (FRESH SOUND RECORDS 2018)

Issued in 1983 as The Kid s Got Ears , this album is one of the best and rarest that legendary Chicago pianist Lou Levy (1928-2001) recorded during his long and successful career. Guess I ve been lucky in music, he smiled. It seems like I was in the right place at the right time all my life, getting to play with Stan Getz, Woody Herman, Tommy Dorsey, Terry Gibbs... And then, of course, there were the great vocalists I ve worked with Sarah Vaughan, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Nancy Wilson, Frank Sinatra...

Levy s attack is rapid-fire and many-noted, while his left rumbles at the chord progressions. His playing was known for its smooth sophistication and subtle swing. From the way I play, I suppose you could say that Bud Powell has been my biggest influence. Art Tatum s approach to harmony certainly influenced me too. It was so... so rich. But, of course, there are many other pianists I have great admiration for. Oscar Peterson, for instance. Naturally, other instrumentalists made a great impression. Certainly, Charlie Parker. And Dizzy, Miles, and Al Cohn. 

There s a reason I m Old Fashioned gives title to this album. Levy admitted to have a soft spot for this tune. I did that solo. I figured maybe I could handle that since it s my favorite tune. And it is a beautiful effort indeed. Be it solo, in a duet with bassist John Heard, or in a trio with drummer Shelly Manne, Levy shows his remarkable blend of lyricism and swing at each step. A model of taste, where the execution goes hand in hand with the creativity of this vastly underestimated pianist.

01. High On You (Al Cohn) 3:41

02. I Won't Dance (Kern-Hammerstein II-Harbach) 4:24

03. I'm Old Fashioned (Kern-Mercer) 4:33

04. Limehouse Blues (Philip Braham) 5:34

05. Take the ‘A’ Train (Billy Strayhorn) 5:15

06. Estate (Martino-Brighetti) 4:38

07. I'm All Smiles (Mickey Leonard) 5:16

08. You Say You Care (Styne-Robbins) 4:01

09. Wait 'Til You See Her (Rodgers-Hart) 2:45

10. Ding, Dong, the Witch Is Dead (Arlen-Harburg) 2:43

All tracks previously issued as “The Kid’s Got Ears!” (Jazzizz JIR 4002)

Lou Levy, piano

On #1,4,6,8: John Heard, bass; Shelly Manne, drums

On #2,5,7: John Heard, bass

On #3,9,10: Lou Levy, solo piano

Recorded at Sage & Sound Studios, Hollywood, November 27 & 28, 1982

Recording engineer: Jim Mooney

Original recordings produced by Jim Brown

Liner notes: Jordi Pujol / A. James Liska

Produced for CD release by Jordi Pujol

Stereo · 24-Bit Digitally Remastered

Hank Jones - In Copenhagen Live at Jazzhus Slukefter 1983 (STORYVILLE RECORDS 2018)

The American pianist Hank Jones could, spanning his 65 year career, always be counted on for a joyful presence on the jazz scene, playing sparkling piano solos that uplifted every group that was wise enough to hire him. This set of previously unreleased music from June 6, 1983 puts the spotlight of one of the most consistent geniuses in jazz history.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Jazzhus Slukefter in Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, was the site for a large number of live recordings release by Storyville. Hank Jones brought Danish bassist Mads Vinding with him, a bassist with a large sound, the ability to take very original solos, and a love for straight ahead jazz. The third name on the stage was drummer Shelly Mane, whose career was as prolific as Jones’, and who added color and life to every group. This 1983 concert consists of nine jazz standards. Jones takes the lion’s share of the solo spots, changing his style between that of a classical bebop pianist and other times swinging elegantly like Teddy Wilson. The masterful trio comes up with creative variations and give all the songs on the release rewardingly fresh treatments.

Hank Jones (1918-2010) was born in Mississippi and was an early inspiration for his two younger brothers, both of whom would become all-time greats: cornetist Thad Jones and drummer Elvin Jones. He immediately became part of the jazz major leagues once he relocated to New York where he embraced the bebop of Bud Powell without abandoning his roots in swing. Tasteful and lightly swinging, Hank Jones would always be thought of as a class act. His non-stop activity with countless bands, orchestras and musicians only ended when ageless Hank Jones passed away in 2010. Musically, he never declined.

The result of the 1983 Slukefter session is an enjoyable hour of music that, after sitting unheard for over 30 years, sounds as fresh as if it were recorded yesterday.

1 Just Friends (Live) 6:58

2 Au Privave (Live) 7:40

3 Alone Together (Live) 9:47

4 Stablemates (Live) 4:43

5 It Could Happen to You (Live) 6:12

6 Scrapple from the Apple (Live) 4:59

7 Budo (Live) 7:01

8 Tangerine (Live) 6:08

9 What's New (Live) 8:24

Hank Jones piano

Mads Vinding bass

Shelly Manne drums