Easy Listening At Its Best
Eleanor Hixon | Baltimore, MD United States | 02/27/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've listend to Mulgrew Miller since before his first recordings under his own leadership, from the period he held the piano chair in Woody Shaw's band. He is consistent. His playing feels like that awe inspiring player playing at the piano in your living room. He'll have you in a serious grove without you knowing how it happened. His playing doesn't have the driving charge that some player can have - Take McCoy Tyner (percussive), John Hicks (hard swinging), or James Williams as an example. Millers playing conveys an ease of style like that of Thelonious Monk. Though he sounds nothing like Monk. However I realize his playing is powerful as it is subtle.
He has the range of McCoy Tyner and the other pianist, however he creates magic differently than they. On this recording his imaginative and fluid style is commanding and pleasant. He is good at playing ballads as he is at swinging. I appreciate each of the tunes especially 'Waltz For Monk', 'The Organ Grinder', and 'Pressing The Issue'.
Both Derrik Hodge (bass) and Karriem Riggins (drums) are new to me, yet they play with years of wisdom. Karriem is outstanding, his timing is like that of Max Roach, perfect; his touch is beautiful like that of Billy Higgins and Victor Lewis. Check him on 'The Organ Grinder' and 'O Grande Amor'.
Derrik Hodge's sound is very rich, it's deep and pleasant. He reminds me of Curtis Lundy with a tone for ballads that brings tears to the eyes. Derrik makes me wish there were more ballads on this recording just to showcase his sound which is resonant.
I wish there were twice the music on this disc. Bring on volume 2!
"
Thank you Mulgrew
Sonny Clark Fan | Detroit, MI United States | 07/17/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mulgrew Miller is one of the greatest & most authentic younger jazz pianists in our era. I adore jazz in 50-60s and I feel like a part of me die every time each of great jazz musicians from the era passes away. Someone like Mulgrew Miller, who has the tremendous swing and real substance in his touch, tone and improvised melodies that he creates, deserves much more attention. I love his "The Sequel", a perfect studio recording. This CD is a great live recording; you can enjoy his TRUE improvisation and a sense of REAL JAZZ in a live setting. I appreciate both Derrick Hodge and Karriem Riggins who provided a great support to Mulgrew. Especially Karriem Riggins, he did a tremendous job in "The Sequel" and in this one, too. Thank you MAXJAZZ, please keep recording Mulgrew Miller's historical great playing to our later generation."
Actually i did not hear the cd..
Sonny Clark Fan | 07/04/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"...but I was at yoshi's during one of the recording night, and mulgrew was fantastic. Hope 'you and the night and the music' will be on vol. 2. kareem riggins on drums was quite impressive. I have been waiting impatiently for this cd to be released, so I went straight here when I heard 'if i were a bell' one the radio (it's the first track): he had me wondering "mmm, that's pretty cool, who's playing this?". Excellent version if very standard."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1