Search - Beegie Adair :: Embraceable You: Romantic Songs of George Gershwin

Crisp and Cool Jazz Piano!

Kevin Currie-Knight | Newark, Delaware | 03/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Of all places, I first heard this CD playing in a gift-shop on Sanibel Island, Florida. As one who is attracted to the instrumental jazz ballad, I was quickly compelled (after a few minutes of listening) to ask the store clerk what CD this was, quite sure that it was probably Oscar Peterson or some other legend of the 'cool jazz' idiom. Instead, it was Beegie Adair, whom I'd never heard of. Now, not only have I heard of her, but I can't wait to hear more of her.



This CD is a collection of George Gershwin songs played by Nasvhille pianist Beegie Adair and her trio. And she is certainly more than suited to playing Gershwin, as her cool behind-the-beat piano stylings are some of the most lyrical I've heard. She is a terse player who, instead of using a whole slew of notes, manages to find just the right notes to solo with time and time again. Because of this, she is capable of filling the space to even the slowest of ballads (not to mention the mid-tempo stuff) with a delicate flair.



For those that have not heard Adair before, there are a few comparison's I can give. I was not suprised, for instance, when her website listed Oscar Peterson and Russ Freeman (Chet Baker Quartet) as two of her main influences. She has both the melodicism of Peterson and the cool, laid back approach of Freeman. Another comparison I might give is with the PIANO stylings of Diana Krall. Adair's solos, like Kralls, are delicate and understated but beautiful nonetheless (not to mention the obvious similarity in their song selections.)



To close, the only problem I had with this CD was that neither of the other instrumentalists (bass and drums) were given a chance to solo. Normally, I don't like bass or drum solos much, but 13 songs of all piano soloing can become a bit much if not broken up by other solos. Because of that, I find that the CD is hard to listen too all the way through; as beautiful as Adair's soloing ability is, it becomes a bit monotonous when that is ALL there is.



Still, I have to give this one 5 stars. Adair is just that good."

You can't go wrong with Beegie Adair

iqprofessor | NC, United States | 10/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have bought all her albums ever since I heard the "I'll take Romance" CD. Her music is relaxing and soothing. Unlike some jazz panist that gets too loud or wild with their music, her style is more calm but yet she makes the songs her own. Great for dinner parties. Great CD."

Just the best!

Beverley Strong | Australia | 01/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ok..I'm going to rave now but this album is superb. The choice of songs is wonderful and the way Beegie Adair plays them is stunning. I've just discovered her but am truly going out to locate her other albums TODAY! Lovers of romantic jazz....don't miss her!"