WHERE HAS THIS GUY BEEN?!? At one time, pianist Benny Green was one of THE up and coming pianists. He’d had stints with Woody Shaw, Betty Carter and Art Blakey before putting out some impressive discs of his own, most notably a pair of duets with guitarist Russell Malone. Then…POOF! No label, no tours no NOTHING except servicing as a sideman once in awhile. Well, Green is back, and this record shows what we’ve been missing.
He’s teamed with a like-minded section of Peter and Kenny Washington (b/dr-no relation), and together they bop, ballad and blues through a judicious selection of obscure jazz gems. His bebop chops are just a dream, as he shows on Sonny Clark’s snapping “Blue Minor” and Bud Powell’s white knuckler “Tempus Fugit.” He makes this stuff sound so easy, but since no one else does it like this, it must be impossible! More subtle tunes like “Park Avenue Petite” and “Born To Be Blue” have Green coaxing the keys like a patient therapist, while the Washington’s supply supple framework. There is exquisite taste in every aspect of this release, from the song selection, to the solos to even the subtle changes in dynamics during the songs, as in “Opus De Funk.” A marvelous return, and a welcome one as well.
Jazz Legacy Productions
www.jazzlegacyproductions.com