Search - Hod O'Brien :: Live at Blues Alley: Second Set

Masterful BeBop Piano

John Tapscott | Canada | 03/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hod' O'Brien's "Second Set" is a continuation of the excellent piano jazz found on First Set. Together, the two CD's represent an evening's work by O'Brien's fine trio (including Ray Drummond on bass and Kenny Washington on drums) recorded live at Blues Alley in Washington D.C. in the summer of 2004.



My comments on "First Set" apply equally to "Second Set". Perhaps it should be added that O'Brien has selected pieces for improvisation which are consistently interesting and give a good sense of shape and balance to each set. Some of the pieces are quite well-known (though generally not overplayed), while others are more obscure. It is a delight to hear pieces like Billy Strayhorn's "Snibor", Randy Weston's powerful "Little Niles" (a highlight of the set), and a jaunty version of Ellington's "Do Nothing 'Til You Hear from Me", played by this trio. Sonny Rollins' "Pent-Up House" showcases Kenny Washington's excellent drumming which is consistently swinging and supportive throughout both sets. It can also be mentioned that along with his obvious bebop orientation, O'Brien brings a deep blues feeling to his improvisations which is most satisfying to the listener (hear for example, "Snibor", and Joe Zawinul's "Frog's Legs" from "First Set").



The excellent "Second Set" is highly recommended, and if possible, should be obtained together with "First Set.""