Search - Fred Hersch :: Songs Without Words

An Embarrassment of Riches

svf | 03/21/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The latest release from pianist Fred Hersch is a sprawling boxed set of 3 CDs loosely united by the concept of "songs without words". While this might be perceived as overly bold, excessive, or self-indulgent, instead Hersch's ambitious project is a shining artistic success and one of the finest jazz releases of the year to date. The first disc, "Songs Without Words," consists entirely of Hersch's original compositions, the second, "Jazz Tunes," is a collection of songs by Monk, Mingus, Shorter, Ellington and others, and the third CD, "Music of Cole Porter," is, well, a selection of Cole Porter songs. While most performances are solo piano, Fred is joined by other players (including Ralph Alessi on trumpet and flugelhorn and Rich Perry on tenor sax) for some duet, trio, and quintet arrangements. I was fortunate enough to see a live solo performance by Mr. Hersch just a few days ago where he played some selections from this release before an amazingly small audience of 50 or so people. (Being at Shank Hall in Milwaukee, he commented what an honor it was to share the stage with the famed Stonehenge model from "Spinal Tap.") Needless to say, these CDs capture the wonderful essence of this concert and more. This is the kind of set you really treasure, knowing it will provide endless hours of listening and discovery. Those who enjoyed his "Live at Jordan Hall" release will surely love this collection which has a similar relaxed and intimate recital-like atmosphere. The disc of originals is probably the most interesting and unexpected treat here... "Songs without Words" is a 6-part suite of pieces combining abstraction and lyricism in various short character forms. "Child's Song" is a particularly evocative extended duet with Jamey Haddad on percussion.The predominant mood over all three discs is reflective, introspective, and a bit cerebral, but interspersed are a fair share of whimsical and rollicking pieces, such as "Caravan" and "Let's Do It". Yet my personal favorites are the lovely ballads, both the originals and the interpretations, which may bring to mind the pianism of Keith Jarrett and Brad Mehldau. Particularly stunning is the lightness of touch and richness in tone and voicings that Hersch displays here. Performances of "The Wind," "Mood Indigo," and "So In Love" will leave you breathless. At the concert I attended, Fred revealed that this was originally conceived as a 4-disc release: the fourth CD would have been all songs by Antonio Carlos Jobim... imagine that!"

Best Solo Jazz Piano Playing Ever

svf | 03/25/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With these discs, Fred has really won the right to call himself the best solo jazz pianist alive. The colors and textures which he achieves on these recordings are so varied and magical, ranging from his trademark monk meets scriabin counterpoint to the washy french impressionism to some sort of spirit of earl hines stride playing. the readings of the jazz tunes are all thoughtful, as are those of the cole porter tunes. fred's own songs without words are beautiful, particularly the aria and ballad which offer really nice harmonies. if you haven't heard fred's solo playing, and consider keith jarrett's to be the mecca of the medium, you're in for a treat. just a little note regarding the previous review: he writes that it may bring to mind the pianism of brad mehldau: brad was a student of fred's, and so i think it only fair to say that brad's playing brings to mind FRED's pianism."

What More Can I Say. . . ?

ROGER L. FOREMAN | Bath, Maine | 10/18/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The previous reviews are right on target. This is a superb collection of diverse songs by diverse composers. Hersch shows his composing chops on the first disc with a gorgeous array of songs. He has played other people's songs so well for so long that it's only fair to let him play a few of his own. The standards on the second disc are by a pretty impressive lineup: Monk, Ellington, Gillespie, Shorter, Wheeler, Mingus, among others. Did he leave anyone out? Great original takes on these otherwise "standard" melodies. The third disc, Cole Porter tunes, calls to mind his Rogers and Hammerstein or Billy Strayhorn tribute discs, both equally great! Hersch has a way of putting his own stamp on songs and melodies that we should already be familiar with.Bottom line: I love Fred Hersch's playing. He has a beautifully melodic and lyrical approach to playing these songs, whether they are his own or the compositions of others. Other jazz pianist may have more flash, but few, if any, have more substance.p.s. Unlike a couple of reviewers down, I'd still give the edge to Keith Jarret . . . but not by much. . . !"