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Jon Mayer: The Art of the Ballad
ByMayer previously recorded seven CDs as a leader, including Nightscape (Reservoir, 2010), So Many Stars (Reservoir, 2007), The Classics (Reservoir, 2003) and Full Circle (Reservoir, 2002). Mayer has a light, breezy piano style more durable than Bill Evans without being as industrial as Horace Silver.
Mayer's present recording is an intimate affair, The Art of the Ballad (Self Produced). The pianist includeds a dozen well-considered classics, performed in a live setting (as it always appropriate) at Portland, Oregon's Classic Pianos. Mayer has never been a wordy pianist. He is measured in his use of the more technical elements of playing, paying special attention to the melody, but never at the expense of improvisation. He serves a completely enjoyable "'Round Midnight," playing it with all its curves and edges, but effectively taking the piece from its composer and making it his own.
Mayer turns "Willow Weep for Me" into a languid blues stroll that recalls the playing of the late Gene Harris and Oscar Peterson sans the fireworks. "My Romance" is proof of the perfection of the ballad in the Great American Songbook. Mayer approaches the Rodgers and Hart melody with stealth, sneaking up and capturing it before the listener detects it. "Young and Foolish," "When I Fall in Love" and "For All We know" are dispatched with a quiet confidence and internal beauty that have become Mayer's calling card.
Track Listing
Prelude to a Kiss; My Foolish Heart; Round Midnight; Willow Weep for Me; My Romance; Never Never Land; My One and Only Love; Don't Misunderstand; Young and Foolish; When I Fall in Lover; Come Rain or Come Shine; For All We Know.
Personnel
Jon Mayer
pianoJon Mayer: piano.
Album information
Title: The Art of the Ballad | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Udj