Jazz / Bop; Cool
Contains 2 LPs on 2 discs:
* BLUES ALLEY JAZZ (1980)
* ON A CLEAR DAY (1980).
The first two instrumental recordings in GEORGE SHEARING's fruitful, decade-long association with Concord Records found one of the most distinctive of jazz pianists entering a new - and extraordinarily creative - phase of his musical career. Paring down his famous quintet configuration in order to explore all the expression, nuance and communication of the piano/bass duo combination, Shearing found the perfect foil for his inventiveness and quick-minded musical wit in bassist Brian Torff. The first two Concord recordings capturing the duo magic of the Shearing/Torff partnership - Blues Alley Jazz and On A Clear Day - are now presented together in one specially-priced package. Not coincidentally, the encore finale of this special two-disc collection is a rousing live version of the Shearing-penned, bebop standard, Lullaby of Birdland. "Their performances are virtuosic, intuitive, full of sly wit and always swinging·.Brilliant music." -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Includes liner notes by Leonard Feather and Gordon Raddue.
BLUES ALLEY JAZZ
Recorded: October 1979, live at Blues Alley, Washington, D.C.
George Shearing - piano
Brian Torff - bass
ON A CLEAR DAY
Recorded: August 1980, live at the Concord Pavillion, Concord, California
George Shearing - piano
Brian Torff - bass |
