I just don't get it...
that opinionated guy | 02/19/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"much like the other reviewer, i just don't "get" mose allison's popularity as a singer. i find his voice kind of annoying, to be honest.
as a pianist and composer i have no reservations whatsoever about mose. what stumps me is why the guy isn't better known in this capacity. given the time frame for these recordings ('57-'59), he was quite an interesting talent.
this cd compiles 10 original compositions from mose's 6 prestige albums. you'd be hard-pressed to find anybody else doing stuff that sounded remotely like this in the late 50s. allison's songs are fun and catchy without being simplistic or goofy and he really is a terrific pianist with a distinctive style all his own. lord knows, as much as i love bud powell, bill evans and horace silver, it's such a relief to find somebody whose melodic and rhythmic conception owes nothing to them.
grab this cd while it's cheap, but don't be surprised if you end up buying allison's other prestige stuff after this addictive introduction."