Outstanding Jazz Piano
B. D. Tutt | London, UK. | 07/27/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Stride piano demands great virtuosity, and only a handful of players in the world are able to play it with the necessary technique, power and rhythmic tension. In Europe Louis Mazetier, Bernd Lhotzky and Mike Goetz are keepers of the flame. In the US the pre-eminent Dick Hyman is joined by Mike Lipskin, Tom Roberts, Henry "Thins" Francis and now, Andy Fielding.This solo disc demonstrates Fielding's great strengths as a stride / mainstream pianist. He demonstrates his independence through unhackneyed choice of repertoire. He avoids the overplayed warhorses of stride (with the exception of a fine rendition of "Carolina Shout" reminiscent of James P. Johnson's "Spirituals to Swing" version) and instead offers an eclectic range of tunes including an original rag ("A Ride on the River"), a piece from the TV series "Peanuts" ("Freda with the Naturally Curly Hair), a delightful "One Note Samba", a couple of Gershwin standards, Johnny Guarnieri's lively "The Gospel Truth", and, best of all, a Wellstoodian stride version of bebop classic "A Night in Tunisia". His style is attractive, mixing Dave McKenna like single note base lines with rich harmonisations, a solid swing and that rarest of things, a musical sense of humour.Fielding is his own man, pulling together a range of musical influences into a satisfyingly coherent whole. This is intelligent piano playing by a significant new talent. Arbors is to be commended for this release, which will hopefully be the first of several solo CDs by Fielding. This is a release to be relished not just by stride fans but by all lovers of swinging mainstream jazz piano. Highly recommended."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1