Craig Hartley: Books On Tape Vol. 1

Pianist Craig Hartley leads a lyrical trio with Carlo De Rosa/b and Henry Cole/dr through a a collection of standards and originals. Hartley’s mix of melodicism and drimve is apparent on his opening piece “Dial 411” which sounds like the band is off to the races, while his dainty intro to “My Foolish Heart” reveals a penetration on ballads. De Rosa and Cole float on the hip “Why Not” which includes some nice trumpet work by Fabio Morgera, and Dida Pelled’s vocals on the ballad “I Should Love You More” lure you into the lyrics. The trio has a pleasant lilt to their gati, with bouncy pieces like “Just for Me” and “Just For Me (Yet)” wonderfully joyful. Very successful.

www.craighartley.com

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