Eddie Higgins Trio - A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening (2007) [2015 SACD]

In October 2006, expert pianist Eddie Higgins started on a challenging project. Higgins, together with Jay Leonhart and Mark Taylor, went into the studio and performed fifty love songs that had not been previously performed on another album. These tracks are set to be released as four albums. A Fine Romance is the first in the series.
Taking into account the number of albums Higgins has recorded throughout his life, it's astounding that the three could find fifty famous tunes he had not recorded before. It's also astounding that any trio could successfully perform and record fifty tracks in four consecutive days. The trio's feat brings to mind the Miles Davis Quintet's two marathon sessions which produced four albums in the 50s.
But thanks to the combined expertise of the trio, a feat like this was possible. Each musician produces one gratifying performance after another. Higgins' stylish phrasing and tender swing, Leonhart's expressive bass, and Taylor's solid support all add together to an extremely enjoyable listening experience. If you're into refined piano trio music, then you'll love this series!

Tracks:

01. I Could Write A Book 《 R. Rodgers 》
02. Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry 《 J. Styne 》
03. April In Paris 《 V. Duke 》
04. Polka Dots And Moonbeams 《 J. V. Heusen 》
05. A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening 《 J. McHugh 》
06. Gentle Rain 《 L. Bonfa 》
07. I Get A Kick Out Of You 《 C. Porter 》
08. Serenade In Blue 《 H. Warren 》
09. Why Was I Born 《 J. Kern 》
10. Come Rain Or Come Shine 《 H. Arlen 》
11. The Way You Look Tonight 《 J. Kern 》
12. Moonlight Serenade 《 G. Miller 》
13. It Might As Well Be Spring 《 R. Rodgers 》

Personnel:

Eddie Higgins, piano
Jay Leonhart, bass
Mark Taylor, drums