Search - Marian Mcpartland, Hank Jones :: Live in Tokyo

Marian Is Just Magical On This Session

Edward Abbott | Stuart, FL USA | 02/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Marian McPartland was already well-known to serious jazz fans by the time of this 1976 concert in Tokyo, although it was released prior to the kickoff of her National Public Radio series which gave her even greater fame in the U.S. McPartland has always had a gift for ballads, and her original, "Time and Time Again," is no exception; if someone hasn't already written lyrics for it, the song is ripe for them.



Her next offering begins with a playfully disguised introduction that quickly gives way to a romp through Duke Ellington's "Rockin' in Rhythm." The Japanese ballad "Kojyo No Tsuki" won't be familiar to most jazz fans, though the legendary Nashville guitarist Chet Atkins is among the musicians who have recorded it.



McPartland embraces the bittersweet melody with a stunning arrangement, and the crowd is obviously delighted with her interpretation. Following a trio medley of Gershwin favorites, Hank Jones then joins her for three piano duets, including a delicate "Easy to Love"; a shimmering waltz treatment of "Prelude to a Kiss"; and finally, a no-holds-barred "Yardbird Suite." Released only in Japan on the Trio-Kenwood label, this excellent LP will be quite difficult to track down, but well worth the search.



Track Listing:



Side One:



Time & Time Again

Rockin' In Rhythm

Kojyo No Tsuki

Gershwin Medley



Side Two: (with Hank Jones)



Easy To Love

Prelude To A Kiss

Yardbird Suite



Recorded live at Yuhbin Chokin Hall, Tokyo on January 27, 1976. Trio-Kenwood Label.



Equipment Used:



Neumann U 87 & AKG 451 microphones (double sets in duo) Ampex AG 440B-4 (recorder) Quad Eight LM-6200 (mixing amp) and Altec Belair (monitor speakers)



Review:



This work from Marian McPartland was immediately hailed a five star rating upon its release by the press and critics alike. This is one of those rare magical tour de force events that in many cases does not get recorded, but thankfully it was. Its release in the U.S. was quite sparse and was limited in distribution. Back in the day if you wanted this, then you had to make a concentrated effort to acquire. This was on the Trio-Kenwood Label, which in and of itself is a rarity. More on that later.



Someone once said Marian McPartland had three strikes against her before she even had a chance to bat. And that was she's a woman, she's British and she's white. But with all those obstacles in her way she has carved out an enviable career that few can challenge.



Of all the jazz pianist in the world today she clearly ranks in the top five world wide. Her artsitry is undeniable and she has performed with all the greats along the way.



On this album she turns in one mesmerizing track after another and when she is paired with Hank Jones on side two it gets better from there, each pushing each other to loftier heights, talk about kindred spirits here!



The Trio label was a subsidiary of the Trio-Kenwood Corporation, which produced Kenwood audio components. This was an effort by Trio-Kenwood to capture some of the recording market from Denon, who was producing albums for the audiophile market. Not much is known on the Trio label, as to its catalog and the artist that performed. It seems apparent now that Trio-Kenwood Label had a short history. Nonetheless this Marian McPartland album is a pure audiophile recording, its sonics are glorious and the pressing itself is very good indeed.



Most likely many of you do not know of the existence of this album. Longtime out of production in vinyl and only sparsely available from Japan as CD at a very lofty price, when available.



Couple that with the fact that many of you do not have Marian McPartland cataloged in your library. What a major oversight that is. There is little question that Marian McPartland is a living legend in the jazz fraternity. Here long running NPR show "Piano Jazz" has open the world to countless musicians and open the door for the novices, to embrace jazz. To say she is an icon of jazz is a major leaque understatement. I consider her more than a National Treasure.



Here is the golden opportunity to acquire this highly praised work of Marian McPartland. This is one recording you will cherish forever and it will have the special place in your library.

"