5 Under-Rated Solo Piano Jazz Albums

[Geoff]

When it comes to solo piano, most people think of Keith Jarrett's 'The Koln Concert', or some solo recording by Thelonious Monk, and maybe even a solo Cecil Taylor album. Yet, there are a number of solo piano albums that are almost never talked about. Here I will guide you through some of these poorly recognised, but brillaint albums.

Here are a top 5, of under-rated solo piano jazz albums.


1.

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Sergey Kuryokhin - Some Combinations of Fingers and Passion

Released on Leo Records in 1991.

If you asked even one of the most avid free jazz fans if they had heard of Sergey Kuryokhin, most of them wouldn't have a foggiest idea who he was. Why?
Well Sergey, was a Russian and mostly preformed while the Soviet Union was still intact. Not until the near end of his career, did he record outside Russia, (this recording is recorded in London). Hence, much of his music did not get spread to the 'west' (eg. USA). Just when his career finally was beginning to be on the upturn, Sergey died of cancer. Just before his death, he was playing with another European Jazz legend, (that is aslo under-recognised Kenny Millions (aka Keshavan Maslak). Okay, now that we've learnt a bit about Sergey's sad story let's get talk about this album.
This isn't your typical album, in fact it isn't like anything done before, because of his relative isolation in Russia, Sergey had a style of his own. He was known for playing anything, he was in a Russian Progressive Rock Band, he bribed police to use a church organ, played jazz and classical. This combination of anything and everything, is exaclty how you can describe this album. There are resonances of Chopin, Cecil Taylor, God.

There is something so atonal about his playing, yet is always seems melodic. The opening song is just under 30 minutes long. 3 of the pieces are orignals, and there is one cover. A cover of Dave Brubeck's 'Blue Ronda A La Turk' (renamed 'Blue Ronda A La Russ'). This isn't your average cover, the whole song is completely, reworked and extended, with massive improvisation and indirect melodic references. It's just under 12 minutes, and surely, the most avant-garde any Brubeck tune has ever been. The next starts, with a simple introduction, with Sergey humming along, his voice almost sounds like a recorder, or small reed instrument, however if there is a critisism for this album, it would be sometimes the noises are a bit off-putting. However, the track is full with humour. Finally the album ends with an improvised 'boogie woogie', which reminds me very much of Jaki Byard.

Watch out for Album Number 2 tommorow!

[Geoff]

2.

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Jaki Byard - Live at Maybeck Recital Hall, Vol. 17

I don't think anyone has such a firm grip, on every style of jazz than Jaki Byard (with maybe the exception of Rahsaan Roland Kirk, who Jaki worked (*hear them together on 'The Jaki Byard Experience'*)

Jaki Byard, was a long time standing pianist for the great Jazz bassist/composer/pianist Charles Mingus. He also played with Eric Dolphy (listen to 'Far Cry') as well as Sam Rivers' Fuschia Swing Song (one of my favourite jazz albums which has yet been released on CD, except for in Japan.) Sadly, Jaki Byard was murdered in his home in Queens, New York 1999.

Jaki Byard's solo career is appallingly underappreciated. Jaki was one of the finest jazz pianist that ever lived and he deserved more respect than he over got.

This album is a great portrait of his solo piano playing. A stlye that saw no boundries, an extremely melodic, and archaic style, that was at the same time, something new and daring.

There are 4 original pieces, that could have been written by Scott Joplin, let alone Jaki Byard. It's a style that is hard to describe, it's so unique that Jaki Byard is just Jaki Byard, a totally original pianist. The other pieces are 'collages', of some of Byard's favourite jazz composers. He manages to play Round Midnight with one hand, while sounding as if he was using three.
There is also a tribute to Art Blakey and some others.

This album needs to be heard to be believed.

Sadly it is pretty much out of print.

Another album, that deserves to be a classic, but has never become one.

Number 3 tommorow!

[D.D.]

I think this has the potential of becomming a great thread.

[bubber]

I agree, nice thread. Maybe some day I'll contribute with my thoughts on Jessica Williams.

[PDEE]

Originally posted by bubber
I agree, nice thread. Maybe some day I'll contribute with my thoughts on Jessica Williams.

You beat me to it


Not underated but generally ignored.. though not by former BNBB'ers it seemed...least some of them

Hampton Hawes.... THe Challenge.

[Joe]

Absolutely agree re: the Kuryokhin, which, I believe, is back in print after a short hiatus.

I would nominate Jimmy Yancey's final recordings for the Atlantic label for this honor.

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Boogie-woogie? In the main, yes. Typical? By no means. This is the blues as understood by a rare intelligence.

[Ed Swinnich]

Petrucciani - 100 Hearts

[Stan C]

Jaki Byard- Blues For Smoke

[soul stirrin']

It's not entirely a solo piano album, but I'd add Jodie Christian's "Experience" to the list, as well as Denny Zeitlin's "Live at Maybeck." Both terribly underrated pianists, both tremendous albums.


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[D.D.]

Originally posted by soul stirrin'
It's not entirely a solo piano album, but I'd add Jodie Christian's "Experience" to the list, as well as Denny Zeitlin's "Live at Maybeck." Both terribly underrated pianists, both tremendous albums.



Could you elaborate a bit please? I don't think I've heard anything by them...

[BruceH]

Duke Ellington: Piano Reflections

Sun Ra: Monorails and Satellites

Don't know if you could call these under-rated, but they don't seem to get talked about much.

[James]

I have to concur strongly with props for Denny Zeitlin - in fact caught him in performance for the first time last month. I've heard him described as a "musician's musician" and this sentiment is supported for me by the fact that another underappreciated pianist I feel strongly about (Mike Wofford) praises him highly.

His recording "As Long as There's Music" with Buster Williams and Al Foster is a very good showcase for his talent IMO. His treatment of Cousin Mary alone on this recording pays for price of admission.

Now regarding Mike Wofford, allow me to mention that he did stints as pianist/musical director for both Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald. Given this background, one might assume his style to be conservative - but this is hardly the case. He shares with Zeitlin the ability to create rare, spine tingling voicings and has a touch that has to be heard to be believed. His particular style of edge and attack scratches me exactly where I itch! I've caught him many times in performance, and there have been times when he provides intros to tunes which are so ingenious and beautiful that the rest of the composition becomes anti-climactic.

Mike's recording "Time Cafe" with Darek Oles and Duncan Moore is worth getting your hands on. Of the twelve compositions, four are solo pieces. His solo treatment of the intrinsically poignant Grolnick tune "The Cost of Living" *destroys* me every time I hear it. The session flows exceptionally well and contains a great Wofford original (H2) and two stunning ballads by Darek, as well as a sensitive number (Cyprus) by San Diego drummer Tim McMahon. Those who revel in the joy of new jazz discovery will dig this recording, as well as Mike's previous (and more edgy) "Synergy" with Rob Thorsen (bass) and Joe LaBarbera (drums)

[James]

Sorry all - veered off topic with above post. Talked about under-rated *pianists* - sometimes passion gets the better of me.......

Nevertheless, both Zeitlin & Wofford are featured in the Maybeck solo piano series.

[BFrank]

If I'm not mistaken, most all of the Maybeck albums are generally considered top quality.

[brownie]

Paul Bley 'Open to Love' (ECM)
Martial Solal 'Nothing but Piano' (MPS)
and where jazz piano solo really started: Art Tatum. Any of his Pablo solo albums. Not under-rated but too often forgotten.

[James]

Just remembered Tete Montoliu's recording on Timeless "Solo Piano." It combines the two solo releases "Yellow Dolphin Street" and "Catalonian Folksongs."

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!!

[king ubu]

Mingus plays piano.

Important, sort of an early start of the piano-solo boom beginning some 10 years later with Jarrett etc.

Then I'll second for Byard's Blues for Smoke and Petrucciani's 100 hearts (nice recent reissue on Blue Note).

ubu

[Aggie87]

A more recent ('99) release that I really enjoy is Brad Mehldau's Elegiac Cycle. In fact, I probably reach for this one more than his Art of the Trio stuff.

[Geoff]

wow, I posted back in the days, that this forum first began.

Back then, not many people were viewing it.

It was kind of dead for a long time, so I didn't come back often.

In fact I never finished this thread, I was going to list five, but I only got 2 done.

[Geoff]

Basically the other 3 solo albums were going to be

Dollar Brand's 'African Piano' (Japo/ECM)

(Dollar Brand changed his name to Abdullah Ibrahim in case you didn't know)

Keith Tippett's 'Mujician III' (FMP)

and the last album, I seem to have forgotten what I choose.

[king ubu]

yeah, African Piano is a great record.
Have you seen him live? Seen him with his current trio in a club setting, with Max Roach in a concert hall (Roach's solo set was the best part, but Ibrahim was quite astounding, completly different from his usual self, not ONE bar of one of his groove tunes, but half an hour of free and very lyrical improvisation), but the best concert was a solo one which took place in a church. Great atmosphere, great playing, he also did sing some, a Coltrane tribute among others.
Go see him when you got an occasion to!

ubu

[Kerry]

here are a few under-rated solo piano albums...

Roger Kellaway - Live At Maybeck
Art Lande - Melissa Spins Away
Joanne Brackeen - Live At Maybeck
George Colligan - Small Room

I don't think Stanley Cowell has been mentioned.

Here's another thread....what about duo piano albums? The Herbie-Chick record...

[king ubu]

my favorite duos include two Hank Jones discs:

- Our Delights (Galaxy/OJC) with Tommy Flanagan
- An Evening with two Grand Pianos (CD reissue on Atlantic) with John Lewis

Jones/Lewis were a treat (they played together up tothe late 90ies)

Then Mulgrew Miller & Kenny Barron are not bad either.

ubu

[Kerry]

Mulgrew Miller and Kenny Barron, yes!
A couple years ago I went to Merkin Hall and they played half of a duo concert. The other half was Geoff Keezer and Harold Mabern.

[king ubu]

Originally posted by Kerry
Mulgrew Miller and Kenny Barron, yes!
A couple years ago I went to Merkin Hall and they played half of a duo concert. The other half was Geoff Keezer and Harold Mabern.

I saw them last year or maybe it's already two years ago. The other half was Benny Green & Eric Reed, but Miller & Barron were far more interesting. At the end they did a quartet (2 pianos, 8 hands), taking turns on "Blue Monk" which was no more than good fun and almost fell to pieces because when it was Green's turn to do the bass-lines, he played soo far behind the beat... fun, as I said.

ubu

[walkin]

Marilyn Crispell-Labyrinths

[soul stirrin']

Originally posted by D.D.



Could you elaborate a bit please? I don't think I've heard anything by them...

Absolutely, although I'll apologize in advance that reviewing skills are pretty poor. Sorry it took me so long to get back to the board.

I'll start first with the fact that both Denny Zeitlin and Jodie Christian have rarely been featured in solo piano settings. I actually prefer Zeitlin in either a duo or a trio, and Christian seems to work best either in a trio or with a horn voicing or two thrown in.

So, Zeitlin first. If memory serves, one of the reasons Zeitlin has been so overlooked is that jazz isn't his full time gig...during the day he's a psychologist. The post earlier which describes him as a "musician's musician" is certainly accurate, but more specifically he's really a "pianist's pianist." Bill Evans admired him greatly--Evans frequently played Zeitlin's "Quiet Now" throughout his career--and you frequently hear praise in the vein of Mike Wofford's (from a post above) if you ask around. Musically, the man can play just about anything, and his recordings normally reflect that sort of eclecticism. Take his album "Live at the Trident," my personal favorite (and ridiculously unavailable on cd!), as an example. It's a live trio date from 1965, where he's supported by Charlie Haden (b), and Jerry Granelli (d). Side A leads off with a very mainstream, swinging, bop-based reading of "Saint Thomas." The band then drops into a piece Zeitlin composed on the spot for his wife (I think someone told me it was their anniversary), "Carole's Waltz," which must have been inspired by Evan's "Waltz for Debby." Regardless, the treatment generally reminds me of Evans' moments of really melodic romanticism--it's a tune that puts a smile on your face and makes you want to hum along--and with the interplay between Haden and Zeitlin, it sounds very close to the Evans/LaFaro Vanguard dates. The band bounces through "Spur of the Moment" and another Zeitlin original, before switching gears and doing a killer reading of Ornette Coleman's "Lonely Woman," in which Zeitlin plays freely, but still sounds reasonably melodic. There are a couple of other tunes, then there's a long reading of "Quiet Now," which sounds little to nothing like the way Evans played it or, for that matter, how Zeitlin has ever played it when I've seen him. Instead of sounding like a ballad, the piece takes on a really meditative feel on this album, perhaps akin to the sound I would associate with ECM releases (like the Zeitlin/Haden duets, especially :D ). To me the most suprising playing, however, comes on the last piece, "What is this Thing Called Love?" You'd think after the other pieces that the ballad would get a pretty straight reading, but it's COMPLETELY free, as if Zeitlin was saying, "You ain't got shit on me, Cecil!"

Whoa, that post got longer than I thought it would...sorry. I guess the short answer to your question about Denny is that he's one of those musicians who straddles the borders of post-bop and free jazz. If you're into comparisons, maybe he's a little of Paul Bley, a little of Bill Evans, a little of Herbie Nichols, and a little of Jaki Byard (he can definitely romp when he feels like it). There are also some really bizarre (but kind of cool) experimental albums from the 70s where he's playing synthesizer and moog. He's killer, though, and he's never disappointed me, live or on record.

After all that, I'm too tired to do Jodie Christian, and you're probably bored with reading my crappy reviewing, so maybe I'll do him later. He's nothing like Denny (although I think they're both from Chicago); he's really more bluesy and soulful to my ears.

Hope that helped!

[Jim R]

A few more great solo recordings...

Lou Levy- Solo Scene (RCA)
Eddie Higgins- Time On My Hands (Arbors)
Sir Roland Hanna- Solo / Round Midnight (Town Crier)
Tommy Flanagan- Alone Too Long (Denon)

[D.D.]

Originally posted by soul stirrin'


...you're probably bored with reading my crappy reviewing...

Hope that helped!

The review was crappy enough to get me really interested in Zeitlin ;). Thanks! I'll definitely check him out.

[catesta]

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[kulu-se-mama]

it's not a solo piano record, but the cd that has been spending the most time in my player recently is "live from new york to tokyo" by the ray brown trio. this 2 cd set combines 2 previously released live dates ("bam bam bam" and "the red hot ray brown trio"). gene harris is simply amazing.

[Geoff]

Originally posted by D.D.


The review was crappy enough to get me really interested in Zeitlin ;). Thanks! I'll definitely check him out.

Denny Zeitlin is a pretty good pianist. I have a couple of his albums and his a strong melodic player, kind of influenced by Bill Evans yet in a way much freer.

Well worth checking out.

[alankin]

Originally posted by soul stirrin'

If memory serves, one of the reasons Zeitlin has been so overlooked is that jazz isn't his full time gig...during the day he's a psychologist.


Well, no, his day job is working as a psychiatrist. He's still a very good pianist, though.

[soshigaya]

You really can't go wrong with any of the Maybeck series.
Ones I especially like are Fred Hersch, Stanley Cowell,Toshiko Akiyoshi,Marian McPartland,Jaki Byard,Barry Harris,Ellis Larkins and Ralph Sutton, with apologies to the many other great items not listed.
Get them all !

[Geoff]

Originally posted by soshigaya
You really can't go wrong with any of the Maybeck series.
Ones I especially like are Fred Hersch, Stanley Cowell,Toshiko Akiyoshi,Marian McPartland,Jaki Byard,Barry Harris,Ellis Larkins and Ralph Sutton, with apologies to the many other great items not listed.
Get them all !

The Marian McPartland Maybeck album is really nice.

[James]

Kerry - agree that Stanley Cowell's Maybeck recording is great, and heard George Colligan with Buster Williams' quartet in N.Y.C. last summer. He's a helluva talent as well - your comments incite me to pursue his recording.

soul stirrin': your review of Live at the Trident has me more than a bit excited. Check your pm's. Seeing him live was a BLAST! Always good to hear from fellow Zeitlin freaks.

D.D.: I think you'll enjoy Denny - believe what soul stirrin' had to say.

[Dr. J.]

>A couple years ago I went to Merkin Hall and they played half of a duo concert. The other half was Geoff Keezer and Harold Mabern.

And speaking of which.... Geoff Keezer - Zero One

Fred Hersch - 3CD Nonesuch "Songs without Words" - Disc 1,
his own stuff - also "Live at Jordan Hall"

Most of the Maybeck series is terrific.

[John Tapscott]

Agreed that the Maybecks are generally very fine, though I like some better than others, and some ARE better than others, as you would expect. My favorite Maybeck is the Kenny Barron. But don't overlook Andy Laverne's Maybeck CD. It's outstanding, and one that I didn't expect to enjoy so much.

Two outstanding solo albums by Canadian pianists:

Oscar Peterson - Tracks - MPS
Oliver Jones - Just 88 - Justin-Time

Also Harold Mabern has a terrific solo piano LP called Joyspring on Sackville. Unfortunately it's not yet reissued on CD.

[Kerry]

James, George Colligan is definitely worth checking out :)
He has like 13-14 albums out as a leader (they're not always easy to find). My favorite is Como La Vida Puede Ser (FSNT). I also like Stomping Ground (with Billy Hart on Steeplechase).

Glad you enjoy theat Stanley Cowell recording.

I'll second Denny Zeitlin...just bought his "As Long As There's Music" trio album.

[king ubu]

how about the two Sackville CDs by Abdullah Ibrahim?
They're called "Fats Duke & the Monk" and "Ancient Africa". I like them a lot!

And I do like Brad Mehldau, although his last records in my opinion don't always stand up equal to the first on his "art of the trio" CDs. Saw him live once and the solo set was magnificient! (The trio seemed to work in formula which does work but seems to be worn out by now)

ubu

[Geoff]

Originally posted by king ubu
how about the two Sackville CDs by Abdullah Ibrahim?
They're called "Fats Duke & the Monk" and "Ancient Africa". I like them a lot!

And I do like Brad Mehldau, although his last records in my opinion don't always stand up equal to the first on his "art of the trio" CDs. Saw him live once and the solo set was magnificient! (The trio seemed to work in formula which does work but seems to be worn out by now)

ubu

I remember hearing a really wonderful solo version of Monk's 'Round Midnight' by Abdullah Ibrahim, I'm not quite sure what album it was from though.

[soshigaya]

I'll add my approval to the recommendation of Lou Levy ' Solo Scene'. Very fine indeed.

[Dr. J.]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by John Tapscott
[B]Agreed that the Maybecks are generally very fine, though I like some better than others, and some ARE better than others, as you would expect. My favorite Maybeck is the Kenny Barron.

Considering the format - first take, no studio fixes - the quality of the session can vary greatly, even with superb pianists. Everybody has bad days.

[Aggie87]

I forgot to mention two fantastic Chucho Valdes albums, Fantasia Cubana and Solo: Live in New York. He plays with a vitality that for me is almost unmatched.

[Joe]

Another one:

Muhal Richard Abrams, AFRISONG

[JamesJazz]

I too like Dollar Brand's solo albums.
I also really like the wonderful Master Jazz series of solo albums that feature Earl Hines, Sir Charles Thompson, Sonny White a.o.
There is a pretty obscure LP called "South Of The Blues" by Herman Chittison that is really good. Chit could really play.

[EKE BBB]

Tete Montoliú: Piano solo. Palau de la Música Catalana (Discmedi Blau, 1997)

One of his final recordings. An impressive and memorable view of all his influences and facets during his career, amazingly played, a few months before his death.

[a.j. zeitlin]

There seems to be renewed interest in Phineas Newborn. When I'm feeling misty-eyed I pull out McCoy's Ballad, Erroll Garner's Concert by the Sea and the Vanguard recordings of Bill Evans.

[EKE BBB]

I will add another CD by a spanish pianist, Chano Domínguez:

En directo. Piano solo (Nuba records, 1997)

Lush life, Caravan, one Swallow, five originals and four traditionals

Monkish-spanish-flamenco-jazz

Believe me: an amazing album and a great pianist!!!

[Paul Secor]

First post here.

2 By Jaki Byard: Parisian Solos (Musica) and Flight of the Fly (Le Chante du Monde)
Sadik Hakim: Memories (Progressive)
Otis Spann's solo sides on Candid
Lucky Roberts and Willie "The Lion" Smith: Harlem Piano Solos (Good Time Jazz)
Jimmy Rowles: Plays Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn (Columbia)
Montana Taylor: Complete Recorded Works (Document)

And a strong second to Joe's mention of Jimmy Yancey's Atlantic album.

[Spagetts]

Don't know if this one has been mentioned yet, how about Bill Evans work that he did just before his death, the box set "Consecration". You can tell by listening that he oured his soul into it. It's a great piece of work.

[Pete B]

Hampton Hawes - The Challenge. An astounding album, never reissued on cd. More's the pity.

[Dr. J.]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Jim R
[B]A few more great solo recordings...

Eddie Higgins- Time On My Hands (Arbors)

Glad someone finally mentioned Eddie Higgins, one of the most reliably classy, elegant, no-BS players around. Time is a fine CD.

Also... Geoff Keezer's solo "Zero One" is an absolute tour de force, the material spanning a number of composers, including John Lennon. A pity he doesn't record more often.

The first disc of Fred Hersch's 3 CD Nonesuch set, Songs without Words, is mostly solo, all originals, and further proof that the overused and diluted term "genius" is, for once, correctly applied.

I second the Tete Montelau? (never get that spelling right without checking, and I'm feeling lazy right now!) solo album. Chucho is still a little too bombastic for my taste, although he's been calming down lately....

[Mnytime]

Originally posted by king ubu
how about the two Sackville CDs by Abdullah Ibrahim?
They're called "Fats Duke & the Monk" and "Ancient Africa". I like them a lot!


I agree completely. I especially love Fats Duke & the Monk, which I found in a garage sale for .50 :D


I am a huge fan of Ibrahim. He is one of those I am a completist for his recordings.

[Spagetts]

Check out Bobby Timmons' "The Prestige Trio Sessions" he definatly lays down da groove.

[Fran]

John lewis "JOHN LEWIS" on Atlantic

[LeMo]

- Borah Bergman: A New Frontier (Soul Note)
- Martial Solal: M.S improvise pour France Musique (Erato)
- Stephan Oliva: Jazz'n (e)motion (BMG/RCA)
- Mike Westbrook: Piano (Impetus)
- Marylin Crispell: For Coltrane (Leo)
- Stanley Cowell: Angel Eyes (SteepleChase)

[D.D.]

Are ther any solo Mal Waldron CDs? - that would be interesting to hear.

[LeMo]

I've always like Mal Waldron in solo, maybe more than in any other formula.

I've seen him play in solo few time at concert and it was always a great moment.

On record, to my knowledge, there is only one on CD (I'm not a completist about Mal so it's completely possible than there's more available).

It's called "Update" and it's on Soul Note (SN 121130-2).

It's from 1986 and I suppose it's still in print.

By the way, what Waldron plays on this one is a bit surprising as he pays hommage to Cecil Taylor twice and gives his version of four standards including "A Night In Tunisia" !

Not his best record, IMO, but one to be heard absolutely.

[D.D.]

Thanks LeMo. Have you heard by chance the last Waldron recordings (on SoulNote, Sketch and Enja) - I wonder what they sound like and whether the illness afffected his playing...

[LeMo]

I just have the sketch one and its a great record. Jean-Jacques Avenel is backing him on all tracks but one and Lacy plays on two of them. The remaining is a (beautiful) solo piece.

The sound is great. I think than never (even on ECM) the piano of Mal has been so well recorded. Highly recommended IMO.

I didn't buy the Enja (who has a good reputation, btw) because I just buy NOTHING with Shepp on from decades now.

I know nothing about the Soul Note.

[D.D.]

Just released - Sun Ra - 'Solo Piano Recital - Teatro La Fenice - Venezia' (Leo Records). I like it quite a bit. SOlo SUn Ra from 1977 concert.
I ike it a lot. Sun Ra is obviously inspired, and in a surprisingly a lyrical mood. Couple of (thoroughly and entertainingly) revised standards. So-so sound quality, though.

http://www.leorecords.com/?m=select&id=CD_GY_021

[SEK]

Abdullah Ibrahim has several solo piano records that I enjoy immensely. Some that have not been mentioned:
Live:
"Autobiography"
"Matsidiso"
"South African Sunshine"
Studio:
"African Dawn"

Paul Bley is another distinctive pianist. Three of his solo recordings that I like a lot are:
"Axis"
"Tango Palace"
"Solo Piano" (Steeplechase)

[LeMo]

As Paul Bley is concern, I'll add the following :
- "Open, to love" (ECM) - One of his most celebrated.
- "Hommage To Carla" ((Owl)
- "Caravan Suite"
- "Hands On" (Evidence)

[EKE BBB]

Originally posted by LeMo
As Paul Bley is concern, I'll add the following :
...
- "Hommage To Carla" ((Owl)
...

I love that one! My first exposure to Paul Bley as a soloist!

[D.D.]

Originally posted by EKE BBB
I love that one! My first exposure to Paul Bley as a soloist! And one more brilliant solo Paul Bley - Copenhagen Jazz House (SteepleChase). It's a live one.

[LAL]

More in the classic jazz vein:

Jelly Roll Morton's 1938 Library of Congress solo piano recordings. Too bad Solo Art stopped issuing the complete solos plus the monologues at Disc 1. Fascinating stuff if you can overlook Morton's occasional self-adulation. Rounder's 4CDs omit the monologues.

[SatinDoll]

Two Bud Powell albums from his time in Paris: "Strictly Confidential" and "Relaxin´at Home". Though Bud is sometimes accompanied by his French friend Francis Paudras playing brushes on a newspaper (barely audible), I´d considerate these as solo-albums. Anyway I got a lot of unissued stuff done by Bud at Paudras´appartment. Not all of it is really worth listening.

[clave]

A few of my favorite solo/trio CDs:

Mary Lou Williams, Nite Life (Chiaroscuro, 2-dsic set -- amazing!!!)

Thelonious Monk, Thelonious Alone in San Francisco (OJC)

Tommy Flanagan, Sea Changes (Evidence) -- a trio session, probably one of his best ever.

[wjd]

Dollar Brand-Ode To Duke
Muhal Richard Abrams-Afrisong

[justHerb]

Antime Brad Mehldau sits down at the piano he creates magic, same with Fred Hersch.

I'd add:

Bheki Mseleku - Meditations
Randy Weston - Marrakech In The Cool Of The Evening

[Donny]

I keep going back to the two Shearing solo albums on Concord, Grand Piano and More Grand Piano.

I'm a big Fred Hersch fan but wasn't so keen on the Hammerstein album. Not sure that some of the R & H tunes are that great for improvising on.

This is an excellent thread has me going back to my collection. Dug out the Cowell at Maybeck, excellent. I love Barron's one too. But most of them have something of interest.

Pettrucciani has quite few solo albums, all are worth hearing especially the concert ones.

Almost anything by Dave McKenna, except that his solo albums sound as though he has a rhythm section (his left hand)

The Martial Solal ones are excellent, I do prefer the older ones on MPS though to the later radio broadcasts issued fairly recently.

One of the great solo albums IMO is the Atlantic "Alone at Montreux" by Ray Bryant. I don't think he's ever played better.

Another good solo one is by Gordon Beck on JMS recorded in Paris in 1982.

[Lonson]

If the Earl Hines Plays Duke Ellington cds have been mentioned already, well they can bear mentioning again---among my favorite of solo piano efforts!

Also a favorite: In the Cool of the Evening in Maracesh, Randy Weston, Verve/Gitanes. . . excellent.

[Al Andalous]

Originally posted by D.D.
Just released - Sun Ra - 'Solo Piano Recital - Teatro La Fenice - Venezia' (Leo Records). I like it quite a bit. SOlo SUn Ra from 1977 concert.
I ike it a lot. Sun Ra is obviously inspired, and in a surprisingly a lyrical mood. Couple of (thoroughly and entertainingly) revised standards. So-so sound quality, though.

http://www.leorecords.com/?m=select&id=CD_GY_021

For what it's worth coming from someone for whom Sun Ra is a genre unto himself, I really like this CD. I don't think it's generated as much attention as it deserves. He fluidly moves from free improvisation to bluesy passages (not usually my thing, but I've gotten to like them here), to subverted standards, to Sun Ra anthems.

The sound quality is okay by my standards, but I'm no audiophile.

[Al Andalous]

I really suspect the main reasons this Sun Ra CD hasn't gotten that much attention is that (1) it was released in such a limited edition and (2) there have been so many Sun Ra reissues and issues of previously unreleased rarities over the last ten years, that lots of people who are only moderately interested have reached a saturation point. But I think that's a shame, given how good this CD is. It strikes me how much he seems to be interested in entertaining the audience by frequently shifting gears rhythmically and stylistically, and yet so fluidly, not in a jump-cut sort of way. (Albeit, he is playing for a sympathetic European audience that seems to enjoy the more dissonant moments as much as the more lyrical ones, so the task of entertaining the audience is made easier.)

[Al Andalous]

And if Leo Records would knock off this Paypal nonsense, I might be tempted to try more of their limited edition CDs.

[coolidge]

I have one. It is Hampton Hawes, Danny Richmond and Charles Mingus, simply titled Mingus Three. It has a good mix of originals and covers. A point of interest to any one familiar with Mingus work, he takes Dizzy Moods from Tijuana Moods and strips it down to trio format. It has a completely different vibe without losing the spirit of the piece. Also a great moody cover of Summertime.

[Bev Stapleton]

My favourite solo piano recording of the last year:

http://www.sketch-studio.com/sketch-jazz/images-jazz/insight1.jpg

I wish John would record solo more often.

[NewJazz4Mike]

Joey Calderazzo - "Haiku"
Joey Calderazzo - "Haiku"
Joey Calderazzo - "Haiku"
Joey Calderazzo - "Haiku"
Joey Calderazzo - "Haiku"

Have I mentioned that I think this new solo piano release is really wonderful, and most definitely underrated. I'll think of a couple more later, but this one deserves to be heard.

[jkelman]

My favourite solo piano recording of the last year:

http://www.sketch-studio.com/sketch-jazz/images-jazz/insight1.jpg

I wish John would record solo more often.

Great choice Bev, and I agree with you completely. Saw him summer of '03 with Kenny Wheeler/Dave Holland/Chris Potter and this past summer in duet with Charlie Haden. SImply amazing.

Have you heard his latest duo with Kenny Wheeler:

Where Do We Go From Here? (http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=14328)

True, not solo from John, but still a wonderful record.

Best!
John

[Bev Stapleton]

Have you heard his latest duo with Kenny Wheeler:

Where Do We Go From Here? (http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=14328)

True, not solo from John, but still a wonderful record.

Best!
John

I'm waiting for it to arrive from Amazon.UK at this very moment!

I'm even more keen to hear it now!

[pepperminta]

benny green: greens

[jazhound]

Earl Hines recorded a number of brilliant solo recordings from the mid '60s to the mid '70s. One of the finest is "Blues in Thirds", which was recorded for Black Lion (beware of a lo-fi recording of similar title that features radio transcriptions of Hines' big band) Oddly, BIT has been out of print for years, while BL has reissued any number of alternative Hines titles.

I greatly prefer Hines solo recordings to the accompanied discs from his later years. Hines needed the freedom of solo performance to give his improvisational genius full play. The solo interpretations build in density as Hines layers greater counterpoint, rhythmic complexity, harmonic complexity, and breakneck speed. Frequently, the audio experience is the equivalent of speeding down a mountain road in a precision sportscar, feeling you are one second from disaster. But the skill of the driver is so monsterous that there is never any question, no matter how recklessly he may press himself. Heady stuff.

Kenny Barron's "At the Piano" is a fine disc. Released by Xanadu, it was available from Prevue several years ago. Barron is the embodiment of urbanity. There is a surface elegance to these interpretations that make it easy to overlook the complexity of the voicings and the compelling logic of the iimprovisations. Highly recommended.

[Lonson]

Earl Hines solo piano sessions. . . are very underrated. They're amazing, especially those on Master Jazz lps (on cd on New World Music) and especially the Duke Ellington volumes!

[jlee]

Duncan Swift, "Piano Ragtime" (Black Lion, 1969). Never hear that one mentioned, but I used to copy some of his moves when I was a teenager. It's a sweet record, even though my copy is shot.

Hampton Hawes, "The Challenge" Thankfully it's already been mentioned, but it bears repeating, since it's a motherfucker of an album.

Otis Spann, "This Is The Blues" and "Otis Blues" from "Walkin' the Blues" and the whole album of LOC recordings. Not really underrated, since everybody knows this is deep stuff and Spann can play the piano, but, pace the earlier reference to Spann, these are my favorites. Love that buck dance thing on his boogie cut listed here. This music is as difficult to play at this level as anything, barring no genre. Check his bass register solos on the LOC stuff. Unbelievable.

Junior Mance, "Junior's Blues."

Dave McKenna, "Live at Maybeck."

In general, I find the R&B, Blues, and Stride genres to be a little more satisfying in a solo setting -- the constraints inherent to the forms, and the vitality of a tradition based around the solo piano idea, seem to have enabled some of the real masters of these genres to fully develop patterns of accompaniment that exploit reasonably well the whole of what's available to any (human) pianist in these genres, provided that the whole of what's available *also* swings. I think most all of these masters are really well-known, at least to afficionados, at this point, and so their records don't fit the criterion of underrated solo piano records.

[hoochmonkey9]

A few recent ones I like a lot...
D.D. Jackson "...so far"
John Stetch "Exponentially Monk"
Jason Moran "Modernistic"

[Joe]

Barry Harris, THE BIRD OF RED AND GOLD (Xanadu) -- recently discovered a cache of Xanadu cut-outs locally, including this fine session. The ballad Harris wrote for Tommy Turrentine might be the finest thing he's ever penned, and what a sensitive reading he gives it here.

[Dennis_M]

I started a solo piano thread a couple of weeks ago, and I've weeded out the duplicate responses and put them in (more or less) alphabetical order. Here goes....

Kenny Barron - Live At Maybeck Recital Hall
Richie Beirach -Maybeck
Paul Bley - Open, To Love (ECM)
Paul Bley - Hands On
Paul Bley - Nothing to Declare
Joanne Brackeen – Maybeck
Joanne Brackeen - Popsicle Illusion (Arkadia)
Alan Broadbent -Maybeck
Dave Burrell - Windward Passages (hatART)
Jaki Byard - Parisian Solos Futura
Jaki Byard - To Them to Us
Jaki Byard - Blues for Smoke
Jaki Byard - Live At Maybeck Recital Hall
George Cables - Person To person (steeplechase)
George Cables - Live At Maybeck Recital Hall
Uri Caine - Solitaire (Winter & Winter)
Dave Catney - Reality Road
Chick Corea - Solo Piano - Standars" (Stretch)
Chick Corea - Solo Piano - Originals" (Stretch)
Harold Danko - After The Rain" (Steeplechase)
Duke Ellington-Live At the Whitney
Bill Evans - The Solo Sessions, Vols. 1 & 2 (Milestone)
Bill Evans -Alone
Bill Evans -Alone Again
Clare Fischer - Alone Together
Tommy Flannagan - Alone Too Long
Don Friedman at Maybeck
Errol Garner - Solitaire (Mercury)
Giorgio Gaslini - Plays Monk
Roland Hanna- Everything I Love (IPO)
Roland Hanna - Swing Me No Waltzes
Roland Hanna- Everything I Love (IPO)
Barry Harris - Live At Maybeck Recital Hall
Barry Harris - Listen To Barry Harris
Hampton Hawes - The Challenge Y
Antoine Hervé - Inside (Nocturne)
Fred Hersch - Let Yourself Go: Live at Jordan Hall (Elektra/Asylum)
Eddie Higgins- Time On My Hands (Arbors)
Eddie Higgins- You Don't Know What Love Is (Venus)
Earl Hines - Plays Duke Ellington
John Hicks – Maybeck
Elmo Hope - Hope-Ful
Abdullah Ibrahim (Dollar Brand) - African Piano (Japo/ECM)
Abdullah Ibrahim 'Anthem for the New Nations'
Abdullah Ibrahim– AfricanPiano Spectator
D.D. Jackson - ...So Far (RCA)
Keith Jarrett - Koln Concert (ECM)
Keith Jarrett - The Melody at Night, With You (ECM)
Keith Jarrett - Vienna Concert
Keith Jarrett- Sun Bear Concerts
Keith Jarrett - Facing You
Keith Jarrett's La Scala album
Hank Jones - Maybeck
Roger Kellaway – Maybeck
Steve Khun - Maybeck
Bojan Kulfikarpasic - Solobsession
Ellis Larkins –Maybeck
Chris McGregor - Piano Song Vol. 2 ( Musica)
Dave McKenna - Maybeck
Jim McNeely – Maybeck
Marian McPartland – Maybeck
Brad Mehldau - Elegiac Cycle
Brad Mehldau - Umbria Jazz Festival - 1998
Misha Mengelberg - Solo (Buzz)
Eddie Higgins- Time On My Hands (Arbors)
Eddie Higgins- You Don't Know What Love Is (Venus)
Charles Mingus – Mingus Plays Paino
Thelonious Monk - Thelonious Himself (OJC)
Thelonious Monk - Alone In San Francisco" (OJC)
Thelonious Monk - Monk Alone: The Complete Columbia Solo Studio Recordings"
Jason Moran - "Modernistic" (Blue Note)
Phineas Newborn Jr - Solo Piano - 1974
Phineas Newborn Jr - Solo Piano - 1975
Walter Norris –Maybeck
Horace Parlan- Alone (The Maestro / Musically Yours) (Steeplechase)
Michel Petrucciani - 100 Hearts (Blue Note)
Michel Petrucciani - Solo Live (Dreyfus)
Jean-Michel Pilc - Follow Me"(Dreyfus)
Eddie Higgins- Time On My Hands (Arbors)
Eddie Higgins- You Don't Know What Love Is (Venus)
Naj Ponk - All About Love
Don Pullen - Evidence Of Things Unseen (Black Saint)
Lou Levy- Solo Scene (RCA Victor)
Lou Levy- By Myself Verve (Gitanes)
Howard Riley - Intertwine Mosaic (not the boxed set)
Howard Riley - Shaped Mosaic
Manuel Rocheman - Alone At Last
Bernardo Sassetti - Indigo (Clean Feed)
Masahiko Kwan Sato - Ji-Zai Denon
Martial Solal - Improvise Pour France Musique (JMS)
John Stetch - Ukrainianism (Justin Time).
Art Tatum - Over The Rainbow
Art Tatum - The "V" Disks
Art Tatum - God Is in the House
Cecil Taylor - For Olim (Soul Note)
Cecil Taylor - Erzulie Maketh Scent (FMP)
John Taylor - Insight
Keith Tippett - Mujician I/II (FMP)
Keith Tippett - Mujician III (August Air) (FMP)
Lennie Tristano - The New Tristano
Lennie Tristano - Lennie Tristano
Vassilis Tsabropoulis - Akroasis
Francois Tusques - Piano Dazibao Futura
McCoy Tyner - Revelations (Blue Note)
McCoy Tyner - Soliloquy (Blue Note)
Alexander Von Schlippenbach - Payan Enja
Mal Waldron - Update
Cedar Walton - Live at Maybeck Recital Hall
Mike Westbrook - Piano
Randy Weston - Blues to Africa
Jessica Williams - All Alone (Max Jazz)
Bojan Zulfikarpasic - Solobsession

Obviously, there is a lot to choose from.
Dennis

[Balicat]

I'm suprised there has not been more mention of Dave McKenna. You've got to be a real two-handed pianist to play interesting solo piano. And I don't think any pianist in the past 20 or 30 years surpasses McKenna's left hand. Definitely a pianist "deserving of wider recognition". Check him out.

[Dennis_M]

I'm surprised there has not been more mention of Dave McKenna. You've got to be a real two-handed pianist to play interesting solo piano. And I don't think any pianist in the past 20 or 30 years surpasses McKenna's left hand. Definitely a pianist "deserving of wider recognition". Check him out.

I agree with you. McKenna is a more straightforward pianist with a lot of swing. Many of the names popping up are more "intellectual". I'm listening to Uri Caine - Solitaire, and also have Chick Corea - Solo Piano - Standards and Originals, Fred Hersch - Let Yourself Go, Michel Petrucciani - 100 Hearts and several others on my list above. They are all very good, but it's not the type of music you tap your foot to.
Dennis

[jazhound]

Is anyone familiar with a Bob Nell solo recording titled "Chasin'", or an Errol Parker solo recording called "Compelling Forces"? Both were released on the old Cadence label. Opinions are appreciated.

[jazzcritic]

Teddy Wilson, Dill Jones, Claude Hopkins & Eubie Blake: Jazz Piano Masters
(Chiaroscuro)

Dick Hyman: Genius at Play (Monmouth/Evergreen LP, since reissued on CD by Jazzology with a session by another pianist, Lou Levy?)

Dick Hyman: Music of 1937 (in Concord's Maybeck series)

Sir Roland Hanna: 'Round Midnight (Town Crier)

Denny Zeitlin: Homecoming (Living Music)

These five titles were just off the top of my head, I could list many more...

[Guinness Steve]

Four that immediately come to mind:

Sir Roland Hanna -- Perugia
Dave McKenna -- Intimate Evening with Dave McKenna
Ray Bryant -- Live At Montreux
Dick Wellstood -- Live at the Sticky Wicket

[jazzcritic]

Maybe veteran collectors like me know about this title, but not necessarily
younger jazz fans:

Art Tatum: Piano Starts Here (Columbia/Legacy)
It starts with a few of his earliest solo recordings, but the bulk of the CD consists of an incredible 1949 solo concert.

Also check out:

Joanne Brackeen: Live at Maybeck Recital Hall (Concord)

Luckey Roberts & Willie the Lion Smith: Luckey & the Lion (Good Time Jazz)
two masters of stride piano in top form (one solo set by each)

[HutchFan]

Reviving this long-dormant thread...

Here's six solo piano recordings that I love:
- Sir Roland Hanna - Perugia: Live at Montreux
- Richie Beirach - Continuum
- Mal Waldron - Update
- Jimmy Rowles - Plays Ellington & Strayhorn
- John Stetch - Ukrainianism
- Fred Hersch - Plays Monk