Steve Kuhn Trio - Waltz Blue Side (2002/2015/2023) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

Throughout 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 in May 2002 as Waltz Red Side, this Steve Kuhn trio date covers the same nine standards and originals, though with one important difference: Gary Peacock replaces Eddie Gomez on this CD, with drummer Billy Drummond present on both releases, sticking mostly to brushes. Peacock has long been a potent soloist and supporting player; he projects his sound well, but plays with a bit more reserve than Gomez, while he also refrains from softly singing along (something Peacock would probably be unlikely to do since he has worked regularly with "singing" pianist Keith Jarrett). This version of Henry Mancini's "Charade" finds Kuhn a bit more outgoing, utilizing lots of the sustain pedal. Peacock introduces "Once Upon a Summertime" alone, setting up Kuhn's shimmering arrangement, with the bassist alternating the lead with the pianist. The sauntering take of "My Buddy" (usually more popular with jazz vocalists than instrumentalists) and the dramatic rendition of Kuhn's well-known "Years Later" are also highlights of these sessions.

TRACKLIST

1. Steve Kuhn Trio - When I Grow Too Old To Dream
2. Steve Kuhn Trio - Charade
3. Steve Kuhn Trio - Remember
4. Steve Kuhn Trio - Years Later
5. Steve Kuhn Trio - Once Upon A Summertime
6. Steve Kuhn Trio - I'll Take Romance
7. Steve Kuhn Trio - I'm Glad There Is You
8. Steve Kuhn Trio - Pastorale
9. Steve Kuhn Trio - My Buddy



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