Roger Kellaway Trio: New Jazz Standards Volume 3

As the old saying goes, if it was as easy to play as it sounds, why can’t anyone else do it. Veteran pianist Roger Kellaway gives a textbook on easy swing with compatriots Jay Leonhart/b and Peter Erskine/dr. Kellaway explores the obscure songbook of bopping LA trumpeter Carl Saunders, and he shows it’s a good call, as each of these 13 tunes are catchy, thoughtful and above all swinging. Erskine, of Kenton and Weather Report fame, shows he can be as light as Astaire as he supplies a jaunty bounce to the upbeat “Prudence” and brushes with a soft Brazilian touch on “Calming Notion” while shuffling with the leader and Leonhart on a hip “Dee’s Blues.” Kellaway is a master of touch and timing, getting bluesy with the high hat on “Minor Infraction” and creating lovely ripples for “A Verse.” He even adds some jivey voice on “IS That Asking Too Much” while displaying a dreamy and clean calm on “Noodlin’.”  Is there anyone out there that has as a natural touch as Kellaway?

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