Search - Roger Kellaway :: Heroes

A Fine Tribute

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 09/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Roger Kellaway Trio is by now well established as one of this country's best jazz trios. The unique aspect of this 'traditional jazz trio' is the fact that it is without drums: the piano, guitar and bass underline the beat in a way that we are used to depending on the drums for footing. The sound of the trio is intimate and immediately gratifying.



But the joy of this particular recording aptly called 'Heroes' is the tribute to the great trios of the past - Art Tatum, Nat Cole and Oscar Peterson. The music is from Thelonius Monk, Oscar Peterson, the Gershwin Brothers, Duke Ellington - you get the drift. These are old favorites played for nostalgia but also played with a freshness of sound that is never less than fascinating. The recorded sound is warm and luxurious and the quality of the playing is as fine as it gets. The closing band 'Hymn to Freedom' by Oscar Peterson is alone the worth the price of this excellent CD! Highly recommended. Grady Harp, September 06"

Even better than the first

David F. Pike | 01/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This collaboration between Kellaway and Foreman is even better than their first, on the Bobby Darin songs CD. It's a must for any fan of the piano-bass-guitar trio and solid mainstream jazz."

Roger, Bruce, Dan= very tight trio

Brent L. Vaartstra | 07/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ive become a big Bruce Forman fan, being a jazz guitarist myself and having the opportunity to study with him. So originally I bought the album out of curiosity of what Bruce would do in a guitar, piano, bass situation. However in the process I became a huge fan of the sound of Roger Kellaway, and grew immense respect for Dan Lutz. Kellaway shows hints of his inspiration from Oscar Peterson in his sound, giving it a beautiful bluesy melodic touch. All the while his uniqueness is what keeps me coming back to this album. The album seems almost a tribute to the Oscar Peterson, Herb Ellis, Ray Brown group. Lots of the songs on Heroes were played by that group. The groove is the most astonishing part of this record. The intensity of the swing is mind boggling.

Tunes like Cotton Tail, show off Bruce Forman's bebop influences, but is perfectly balanced out on songs like Midnight Sun, which I have to conclude is one of the most beautiful ballads I have ever heard. All in all this record deserves two thumbs up, and is well worth the buy for jazz fans and curious music fans alike."