Steve Kuhn Trio - Waltz Red Side (2002) [2017 SACD]

Over a career of a half-century and counting, Steve Kuhn has earned renown as one of the most lyrical and affecting pianists in jazz, with an unfailingly beautiful touch and a sophisticated sense of swing. “Steve is an original stylist,” points out Dan Morgenstern, director of the Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers. “He’s one of the finest pianists out there today.” Jazziz magazine described Kuhn’s distinctive sound: “Few other pianists, regardless of genre, can tease such an evocative range of timbres from their instrument. Kuhn’s lower register is as dark and rich as Belgian chocolate, and his upper register has the light, translucent quality of ice-cold champagne.”

"Recorded over the same three-day stretch as Waltz Blue Side, this trio date by Steve Kuhn features a mix of standards and originals, with the help of a strong rhythm section including bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Billy Drummond, though it is an interactive trio versus piano plus accompaniment group. Henry Mancini's "Charade" has had popular appeal since it appeared as the theme music in the Gregory Peck-Audrey Hepburn film, though it has been infrequently recorded in jazz settings, in spite of its attractive melody. Kuhn's brilliant, leisurely arrangement showcases Gomez extensively, as well as himself. Michel Legrand's "Once Upon a Summertime" has long been a favorite of jazz musicians and Kuhn's romantic setting of this bittersweet ballad is breathtaking. "I'll Take Romance" is a change of pace, providing a brisk waltz treatment. Kuhn's originals include one of his best-known works, the driving "Years Later," along with the elegant ballad "Pastorale." Recommended." - Ken Dryden, allmusic.com

Tracks:

01. Charade 《 H. Mancini 》
02. Remember 《 I. Berlin 》
03. Years Later 《 S. Kuhn》
04. Once Upon A Summertime 《 M. Legrand, E. Barclay 》
05. How Am I To Know? 《 J. King 》
06. My Buddy 《 W. Donaldson 》
07. I'll Take Romance 《 B. Oakland 》
08. I'm Glad There Is You 《 P. Madeira, J. Dorsey 》
09. Pastorale 《 S. Kuhn 》

Personnel:

Steve Kuhn - piano
Eddie Gomez - bass
Billy Drummond - drums