Gary Norian: Houston Lifts Off

C. Michael Bailey

Senior Contributor since 1997

...wants to know if Gene Harris is playing "Summertime" in Heaven...

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Published: October 13, 2011

Norian's "Slink" recalls pianist Thelonious Monk Thelonious Monk
1917 - 1982
piano 's circuitous composing: winding turns and lopping rhythms that justapose well with the straight-ahead contemporary balladic title track. Witt's "The Loop" carries a faint "Giant Steps" vibe in its head. Norian solos his level best here, fluid, fluent, forward. Witt exposes a full-throated tone, that while not as assertive as Harris,' still packs a soulful punch. Norian's "Never Very Far" ends this disc on a Jazz Crusaders Jazz Crusaders

band/orchestra gospel note. Amen!

Tracks and Personnel

A Night Like This

Tracks: I'm In the Mood For Love; Night Like This; Secret Love; They Can't Take That Away; April In Paris; I'm Confessin'; Stardust; This Is All I Ask; How Deep Is The Ocean; Your Dreams Are On Their Way; Song Is Ended; What'll I Do; So In Love; One I Most Adore; Falling In Love Again; Sleep Warm; Night Like This (reprise).

Personnel: Bryan Anthony: vocals; Gary Norian: piano; Thomas Felton: bass; Joel Fulgham: drums, percussion.

Trust in Me

Tracks: Autumn Leaves; Trust in Me; The Look of Love; Your Dreams Are On Their Way; When You're Smiling; Amazing Grace; A Kiss To Build A Dream On; My Funny Valentine; On the Sunny Side of the Street; The Nearness of You; Pure Imagination; Summertime; What A Difference A Day Makes.

Personnel: Yvonne Washington: vocals; Gary Norian: piano.

Pots and Kettles

Tracks: Pots and Kettles; Listen Here?; Slink; Heart First; The Loop; Crying Blues; Just Because; The Deprivator; Loose change; Never Very Far.

Personnel: Woody Witt: tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone; Gary Norian: piano; Mark Simmons: drums; Anthony Sapp: bass; Chris Cortex: guitar (2, 6, 9).

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