Not too many artists put out their first disc at 85, but pianist Boyd Lee Dunlap acutally did that not too long ago. Suffering a stroke not much time after, not only did Dunlap keep his life, but he kept his chops and artistry, as this wonderful follow-up session reveals.
As to be expected, his hands have been weaned on stride and Tin Pan Alley, so a swing to bop style lovingly permeates each of these musical impressions of photographs. There is a charming grace to pieces like “First Drops of Rain” and “America the Peaceful” that includes a spaciousness and cheerful ebullience. A touch of humor creeps out during the Monkish “The Like” and a hints of songs like“Deep Purple,” “America The Beautiful” and “Danny Boy” color the genteel material such as “Scattered Showers” “The Lake ” and others. A dignity is present in every melody, with a sense of whim popping up during “Kick The Critic Out” and rumination on the serenading “From the Creekbed.” If you want your piano playing to tell a story, this guys got as many as you’ll ever want. Just pull up a chair.
Mr. B Sharp Records