Search - Mike Longo :: Dawn of a New Day

Fantastic Jazz Piano

06/26/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am a drummer going to school in New York City to study jazz. The music on this CD is what it is all about for me. To learn to swing the way that the cats on this record play is why I am here. I have always held Dizzy Gillespie up as my hero because he is a master of rhythm. Mike Longo, his long time pianist, has captured much of what Gillespie was about in his playing. I can't stop listening to this CD. It just makes me feel happy. If you are ever depressed just put this CD on and you will be in another place within minutes. Mr. Longo, I can't thank you enough. Sweet and Lovely is my favorite track because the groove is fantastic. They really nailed that one. The funk version of Speak Low is wonderful. The opening slow blues is masterful. Guys my age can't really play blues at that tempo and it is something I would recommend that all young aspiring jazz musicians listen to. I highly recommend this recording to all of you. Jim Moody"

One of the best piano albums of all time

06/24/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mike Longo has to be the most underated pianist in the country. I was aware of him back in the 60s and 70s when he was with Dizzy Gillespie's group and I always thought highly of him. This CD, however, has made me take another look. His blues playing on the title track is absolutely superb. His ability to swing on tracks like "Sweet and Lovely" and "Tin Tin Deo" are a revelation. He plays absolutely the most gorgeous rendition of "Porgy and Bess" selections I have ever heard and the passionate rendition in 3/4 time of "The Shadow of Your Smile" is something you have to hear to believe. The CD ends with a blistering up tempo version of the classic "Limehouse Blues" that is hard to believe. Where has this guy been all of my life? I would highly recommend this CD to all of you. You will be listening to it over and over just as I have and for many years to come. Kay Sherman"

Buy This Album?Now

Gerald C. Hayward | Sacramento, California | 06/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mike Longo has put together a beautiful collection of standards. Longo, better known as a Dizzy sideman has been too long ignored in his own right. This album should set the record straignt. His "Porgy and Bess Medley" is absolutely brilliant. His own "Dawn of a New Day", Dizzy's "Woody'n You" and "Tin Tin Deo" swing. His treatment of two Kern standards, "Why Do I Love You" and "A Fine Romance" show how standards ought to be treated, adding a personal touch to a familiar score. You should order two of these CDs because you just may wear the first one out."