Search - Butch Thompson :: Chicago Breakdown 88's

Worth buying

12/01/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I like this CD; it was a worthwhile purchase. For those who like early jazz it is particularly interesting to hear Jelly Roll Morton recorded with modern technology on solo piano. My main criticism is with the recording style. First, the piano, a Falcone concert grand, does not have an impressive tone. I don't know why a Steinway was foresaken for this instrument. There is little lyricism in the right hand and the left hand, so fundamental to stride piano styles, produces a shallow sound. Furthermore, a piano of this size needs room to project itself: where a piano is played is as essential as its quality. This is a studio recording, where the microphone is placed, is seems, inside the piano. Too close a sound, in my opinion, giving off a rather cold and tin-like recording sound. Emotion is often missing as a result. Mr. Thompson's playing is enjoyable, but I often find he plays at the same dynamic range the whole way through a piece. Are crecendos or variations in volume not part of this piano playing style? I think they belong, and their absense takes away some of the emotion that can be derived from this music, as well as the exitement (at the new sound of the Americas) that characterizes Morton's recordings. Besides these criticisms, if you are not fussy about sound, you will truly enjoy this CD. Great music, that speaks to the origins of jazz. When I played it at home, the reaction was positive from everyone."