Search - Denny Zeitlin :: Slickrock

Zeitlin begins a new chapter with his debut on MAXJAZZ, Slickrock (May 25, 2004), which features the great bassist Buster Williams and the innovative drummer, Matt Wilson on every tune. Zeitlin has been performing with Williams and Wilson over the last several years and was excited to do this trio recording date. Slickrock begins with a buoyant take on "You and the Night and the Music" by Howard Dietz & Arthur Schwartz and leads into the languid "Wishing On The Moon," one of Zeitlin?s four originals on the CD. His next composition, "Every Which Way," uses a catchy, funky rhythmic underpinning to Zeitlin?s dazzling piano work. "Put Your Little Foot Right Out" by Larry Spier seduces by slowing things down again. "It Could Happen To You" by Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen also entrances with Zeitlin?s breathtakingly light and fluid piano intro and shifting meters. With a poignant reharmonization, he mines the sadness of "Body and Soul" by Johnny Green and Edward Heyman and then swings on "Sweet Georgia Brown" by Ben Bernie, Kenneth Casey and Maceo Pinkard. The trio burns on Wayne Shorter?s "E.S.P." before performing Zeitlin?s charming "Just Passing By." Zeitlin moves to close the CD with his extended composition "Slickrock," which employs written sections, road maps and totally free! improvisation and was inspired while he was mountain biking in the Utah canyonlands. Part one of the suite, "Dawn; Gathering" is spare and somber, yet expectant. "On the Trail" follows and is boisterous and complex. "Recovery" provides space for contemplation utilizing creative harmonic and rhythmic interplay. Zeitlin ends the suite and Slickrock with a strong stand on "On the Trail Again." With his brilliant lines, beautiful touch and unerring musical sense, Zeitlin has again produced a recording that captivates both with its fresh interpretations of standards and its intriguing original compositions.