Fred Hersch - The Fred Hersch Trio Plays...

On this highly recommended set, Fred Hersch plays his favorite compositions from ten of the greatest composers in the history of recorded jazz -- Monk, Miles, Ellington, and Strayhorn included. All of the important and complimentary adjectives customarily used in relation to Hersch's work can also be used to describe this effort, most notably lyricism, warmth, and taste. Hersch and his bandmates -- Drew Gress (bass) and Tom Rainey (drums) -- form a trio in the best sense of the word. The band listens to and respects one another, providing appropriate space for each to explore, while always functioning as a complete and thoughtful whole. They never overplay; they are consistently interesting; they choose only the best music to play. If Hersch's distinctive style can be compared to other artists, the list would certainly include Bill Evans, in terms of lyricism and touch, and Thelonious Monk, for his employment of unique rhythmic and harmonic patterns. Each of the tracks on this album is worthwhile, yet two stand out above the rest: Monk's "Played Twice" and "Think of One." Hersch has always been a supreme interpreter of Monk's compositions, and again he does not disappoint. "Played Twice" is stripped down to its essential, stark beauty, while "Think of One" is played with a slightly heavier touch and offers the quirky rhythms, variable tempos, and subtle humor that are indispensable to Monk. If you are a fan of jazz piano trio, do not miss this opportunity to enjoy one of the best. - by Brian Bartolini, AMG

Artist: Fred Hersch
Album: The Fred Hersch Trio Plays...
Year: 1994
Quality: eac-flac, cue, log, artw.
Label: Chesky
Runtime: 63:15

Tracks:
1.  Milestones (Miles Davis) 3:51
2.  Iris (Wayne Shorter) 6:14
3.  Played Twice (Thelonious Monk) 3:22
4.  Con Alma (Dizzy Gillespie) 6:00
5.  Mood Indigo (Duke Ellington) 5:35
6.  Speak Like a Child (Herbie Hancock) 6:09
7.  Evanessence (Fred Hersch) 5:11
8.  Think Of One (Thelonious Monk) 5:30
9.  Daydream (Billy Strayhorn) 8:05
10.  Forerunner (Ornette Coleman) 3:11
11.  Moment's Notice (John Coltrane) 3:08
12.  Doxy (Sonny Rollins) 6:59

Personnel:
Fred Hersch (Piano)
Drew Gress (Double Bass)
Tom Raney (Drums)

DeJohnette Supreme

Jack DeJohnette recently posted this clip via his Facebook page of his solo performance from the 2009 PASIC conference in Indianapolis. I was there and it was incredible...



I'd also like to quote from a recent Downbeat magazine article in which Jack was named Drummer of The Year in their annual critics poll. With regards to his "melodic" approach to playing the drums:

"Another important aspect to DeJohnette's talent is how his piano playing and writing impact his drumming and music. Referring to both, he says,"They help me think more orchestrally. Add to that, I've been referred to as being one of the most melodic drummers around. That might have to do with tuning the drums in a melodic way so that every time I play one of the components on my kit, there's always melody happening. I'm always thinking in terms of composition. Playing the piano and writing helps me do that, and then I have a better overall sense of what's going on in the music. It also helps me to know how best to complement a composition and the soloist with their improvisation. And the instrumentalists know I can hear everything they're playing and where they're coming from. They have that trust that I will be there supporting them."

Quite revealing!

Furthermore, here's apparently what Jack practices before hitting the road (borrowed from another recent series of posts of his over at the Facebook):

"Here are some CDs I play with to get me in shape for a tour:

- Ready for Freddie/Freddie Hubbard
- Inception/McCoy Tyner
- Live at the Village Vanguard and Giant Steps/John Coltrane
- Four and More/Miles Davis"

"I'd like to add The Real McCoy/Mcoy Tyner and for playing real fast tempos I highly recommend Study in Brown/Clifford Brown & Max Roach Quintet. Max Roach plays the fastest tempos I've ever heard. This is because Max had to play those tempos with Charlie Parker and Dizzy. It's easy to play real fast but you have to be very relaxed to do it!

"Here is some more music I like to play along with and listen to.

- In and Out/Joe Henderson
- Smokin/Miles Davis Quintet
- The Young Philadelphians/Benny Golson
- Sonny Rollins at The Village Vangaurd with Bob Cranshaw and Don Cherry. It's incredible!"


So there you go !