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Mike Greensill Trio: Live at the Plush Room
I've heard Mr. Greensill play piano many times as an accompaniest for his wife, Wesla Whitfield, the San Francisco-based singer who has established herself as a premiere cabaret/jazz vocalist, and as such, Greensill has travelled the world and played some of the most prestigious concert venues as well as pricey clubs. To the best of my knowledge, this is his first recording as a leader.
Mike Greensill opens the album singing Bob Dorough's "I've Got Just About Everything" and closes with "Small Day Tomorrow" by the same composer; he also includes a third vocal interpretation of Dorough's "Better Than Anything." To no one's surprise, Greensill feels an affinity towards Dorough, the vocalist, and his three efforts are delivered in the same cool manner. It's not imitative but simply a statement that this is how the songs should be sung. The set list visits the works of Nicholas Brodzsky for three tunes, and I especially liked the probing ballad "I'll Never Stop Loving You" and "Wonder Why." The Young and Washington classic "Stella by Starlight" starts life as a ruminative ballad and then switches to a finger-popping mid-tempo pace. Greensill contributes two originals: the ballad "A Dry Guy," featuring an introspective solo by bassist John Wiitala; and a bluesy take on "Blues Noir," which also gives the bassist stretching room.
Greensill is quite obviously a melody player, and the attention he lavishes on these songs makes it seem as if the head was just as important as the solo, instead of dashing through the respective melodies. Donald Bailey is the same drummer who you heard with Jimmy Smith during his best period (1956-64) and does an excellent job of being a subtle accompanist as well as providing the kick when necessary. It seems like this group has been intact and working together for some time, and its music is deserving of wider recognition.
Track Listing
I've Got Just About Everything, Love for Sale, I Should Care, A Dry Guy, Stella by Starlight, I'll Never Stop Loving You, It Ain't Necessarily So, Blues Noir, A Time For Love, Better Than Anything, Wonder Why/Be My Love, I Thought About You, Girl of my Dreams, Small Day Tomorrow.
Personnel
Mike Greensill
pianoMike Greensill,piano,vocals; John Wiitala, bass; Donald Bailey, drums
Album information
Title: Live at the Plush Room | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Unknown label