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Tamir Hendelman: Playground
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This rare ability to invent "refreshing" passages is one of Hendelman's major gifts. It's not just a matter of avoiding cliché, his arrangements and solos are distinctive and compositional, while still respecting the integrity of the original. In particular, his imaginative use of harmony, syncopation and dynamics transforms a well-known and well-done tune into something rare. On Playground, he's also written a number of unison passages for piano and bass that appear throughout the music, showcasing both Hendelman's creative imagination and the incomparable technique of John Clayton.
Playground is a good title, since this CD is exactly that: a space for exploration, discovery and fun. Hendelman's compositions are intelligent, melodic, and varied: he offers the luscious "Almost Summer," the impish title track, the angular "Tiger's Lair," the restless "Spring Action," and the quietly grand "Sycamore." Other delights include the trades between Hendelman and drummer Jeff Hamilton on "I'm Old Fashioned," which somehow conjure a dapper, dancing Fred Astaire; Hendelman's novel, bluesy approach to "Do Nothing Til You Hear From Me," and his un-sentimental take on "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You." On "The Cape Verdean Blues," he pares Horace Silver's tune to its rhythmic essence, then takes all the muscular splashing out of "Singin' in the Rain" to expose its surprising sweetness. Hamilton's brushwork is as classy and swinging as ever, while Clayton's exquisite arco adds a deep, lustrous sheen to "It Never Entered My Mind."
It has been argued that a rhythm section composed of John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton would make a barking dog sound beautiful; certainly their level of artistry sets them apart from most players, living or dead. But Hendelman is fully up to the challenge, providing arrangements and compositions that make the most of this trio and their long history of warm collaboration. And in the process, Playground confirms the arrival of a brilliant "new" talent.
[Note: the CD is available only at cdbaby.com]
Track Listing
Driftin'; I'm Old Fashioned; Playground; Sycamore; Tiger's Lair; It's Only a Paper Moon; It Never Entered My Mind; Do Nothin' Til You Hear From Me; Spring Action; Singin' in the Rain; I'm Getting Sentimental Over You; The Cape Verdean Blues; Almost Summer.
Personnel
Tamir Hendelman
pianoTamir Hendelman: piano; Jeff Hamilton: drums; John Clayton: bass.
Album information
Title: Playground | Year Released: 2008 | Record Label: Swing Brothers
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