Search - Marian Mcpartland :: Live at Maybeck 9

Mainstream solo piano at its best

02/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Few pianists would attempt to play a program that includes compositions by Duke Ellington, Ornette Coleman, Alec Wilder and Dave Brubeck. But Marian manages to pull it off in her own voice and with her own sense of elegance. The program of 16 tunes ebbs and flows perfectly, giving one a sense that Marian knows exactly how to pace her concerts. Duke Ellington's "The Clothed Woman" and "Theme from 'Piano Jazz'" (which gets its first extended treatment) show her openness to freer styles, while her own "Twilight World" and Wilder's "I'll Be Around" display a sensitive touch as well. Marian also displays her affection for more conventional Ellingtonia: "Prelude to a Kiss," Dave Brubeck's "The Duke," "Love You Madly" and "Things Ain't What They Used To Be." In short, this is as eclectic an exercise in mainstream solo piano as one is likely to hear. The sound is excellent, as it is consistently in Concord's Maybeck series."

Versatile Virtuosity!

Steven Eldredge | New York, NY USA | 05/20/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being a huge fan of Marian McPartland, I admit that I am biased, but this CD is one of her finest achievements. Everything about it, from the wide-ranging choice of materials, to the sterling performances, the beauty of the piano used and the warm, resonant natural ambiance of the Maybeck Recital Hall add up to a recording I would recommend to anyone without hesitation. I have just been on a long road trip, and this CD was playing over and over in the car. Never got tired of it! Buy it!"

Marian McPartland is an amazing pianist

M. Prime | Pittsburgh, PA | 11/18/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a beautiful CD. Only a pianist with Marian McPartland's experience of jazz piano styles and delicate ear could produce an album this divine. Marian is able to draw on such a wide variety of harmonic styles that she can make everyday tunes like My Funny Valentine and Willow Weep for Me sound like you're hearing them for the first time. Also, the recording quality of this live performance is excellent. A great CD that I have listened to over and over again."