Search - Jimmy Rowles :: Lilac Time

Jimmy Ages Well

William Faust | Columbus, Ohio | 12/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What an amazing career Jimmy Rowles had - during the 1950's he played behind just about every major "voice" in jazz and was for a time virtually the "house pianist" at Capitol Records. Diana Krall has cited him as a teacher and major influence. He can be found on dozens of recording during the 50's and 60's with some of the best of the swing era and west coast scene on labels like Verve and Pacific Jazz. In one of his last recordings (from 1994) he strolls through about 15 tunes (mostly standards) with only a bass accompianist (Eric Von Essen). Like Doc Cheatham and Jack Sheldon, Rowles began singing later in his career and graces us here on most of the tunes with some raspy but very real and textured vocals. Very lovely stuff and highly recommended. I only hope someone puts this disc back into distribution but until then I will cherish my copy."

The Amazing Jimmy Rowles

Neal Horwitz | Pokfulam, Hong Kong | 01/05/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This LP highlights what made Rowles such a genius. I recall Whitney Balliett calling him the Lewis Carroll of the paino, or something similar. His phrasing and ability to inject hunour in his playing was what made him the choice of so many musicians-the album he did with Zoot of Lady Day is astounding. In any case, I digress. Lilac Time has some simply beautiful moments-The Theme from Arrest and Trial is an untold gem, and one that only Rowles would have known about-pure poetry, and am surprised it has not been done by others. He reworks Night in Tunisia magificently, vocalises sweetly on Ella and Buddy Johnson's I Wonder Where Our Love has Gone, comes up with a sweet number in Belfast, and his playing throughout is vintage Rowles. If you wantto understand jazz piano, listen and get to know Jimmy Rowles-that's where it's at."