Pianist Roger Davidson has to have one of the most elegant and genteel touches around. He’s put out a catalogue of Latin material that is second to none. This time out, he teams up with David Finck/b and Lewis Nash/dr to deliver a tribute to Helen Keane, a long time associate best remembered for her work as manager of legendary pianist Bill Evans. Here, he’s brought together songs associated with Evans, as well as his own material and a few ringers.
His approach to the ivories is so graceful and mellifluous that it can be overwhelming in its beauty. His touch on “Yesterdays” or “How Deep is the Ocean” glides like Dorothy Hamill, while his take of “Early Autumn” flutters like a yellow leaf in October in Michigan. Even the spiritual “Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho” comes across more romantic than causing the walls to come tumbling down. His treatment of Bill Evans’ “Waltz for Debby” decries innocence with his crystalline tenderness to the piano. Wondrous material here.
Soundbrush Records