Search - Dick Hyman :: Live From Toronto's Cafe Des Copains

Live Jazz Piano

B. D. Tutt | London, UK. | 07/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dick Hyman is a magnificent jazz pianist, who has fortunately recorded a great deal over the last 15 years. Many of his albums have ben programmatic - featuring particular songwriters or years. This CD is more wide-ranging - a wonderful set of live solos from a 1989 club date, including a typical Hyman programme; a range of standards, a couple of originals, and the occasional unlikely choice (see the ODJB's "At the Jazz Band Ball"). Hyman's eclectic style is well displayed here - a virtuoistic yet melodious swinging approach reminiscent of late period Tatum, supplemented by an awareness of bop and post-pop pianism, and also with a mastery of full blooded stride piano (see "Just You Just Me"). Overplayed standards such as "Blue Skies" are given a thorough workout, and Jelly Roll Morton's lively "Frog-I-More Rag" is effectively re-interpreted as a lyrical ballad

As ever with the Café des Copains, the piano sound is not ideal, but background noise is kept to a minimum. Strongly recommended."