Classic music doesn’t fit into genres. Here are two pianists, that while stylistically and generations apart, have much in common in that they both play music that lasts.
Kenny Werner gives a solo performance of a lifetime with richly lyrical readings of material both his own and interpreted. For almost 16 minutes, his “The Space” is a Debussy-esqe collection of soft and spacious ideas that ruminate in longing and dreams. A mix of classical and Monk reflect together on “Fifth Movement” with a tender pulse and pace used in the evocative “Fall From Grace.” Classy and glassy are a pair of tunes by Jason Seizer in “Taro” and “Kiyoko” with deeply drawn lyricism in abundance for the flowing “You Must Believe In Spring. Lots of thought goes into each note on this intimate work.
A recently discovered recording of swing legend Dave McKenna (1930-2008) features him in a casual atmosphere at Farleys’ House of Pianos in Madison, WI. The appreciative audience is treated two a trio of thematic medleys in a lyrical “Vernon Duke Medley,” and encyclopedic “Time Medley” with a tender “Time After Time” and one with a hip Count Basie spaciousness during “Moten Swing.” His two handed stride bops well on the left hand during “Craziology” and is gracious on a cozy “Exactly Like You.” Who these days plays The Great American Songbook these days with such authority and knowledge?