Ted Howe: Ellington
Howe simply glides across his acoustic piano's keys, featuring bluesy trills and sobering movements, and he also revs his band up on several occasions. But this divergent program highlights the pianist's versatility. For example, he duly conveys warmth via softly stated harmonies on "In a Sentimental Mood, while incorporating stride piano techniques on "It Don't Mean a Thing.... The trio frames its rendition of "Take The A Train upon a slickly articulated swing vibe. Howe's game plan translates into a highly entertaining and somewhat motivational reckoning of Ellington's legacy.
Track Listing
Things Ain't What They Used To Be; Caravan; Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me; Prelude to a Kiss; Sophisticated Lady; In A Sentimental Mood; It Don't Mean a Thing if It Ain't Got That Swing; In My Solitude; Mood Indigo; Take the 'A' Train.
Personnel
Ted Howe: piano; Neal Starkey: bass; Jerry Fields: drums (cajon on "In My Solitude").
Album information
Title: Ellington | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Summit Records