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Marian McPartland & Teddy Wilson: Piano Jazz

By Jim Santella
October 20, 2005
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Marian McPartland & Teddy Wilson: Piano Jazz

Recorded in 1978 for Marian McPartland's radio program, this performance and conversation brings two great pianists together to reminisce and to talk about their careers as performers, scholars, and dedicated lovers of the art of jazz.

Together, they uncover Teddy Wilson's biography piece by piece. It turns out Wilson was an early influence for McPartland from the time she was a teenager in England, listening to his recordings with Benny Goodman. As pianists, they discuss keyboard reach, accompanying singers, big band participation, chord substitution, improvisation versus note for note transcriptions, essential practice habits, warming up, mental preparation, ergonomics, and consistency.

Wilson's interpretations of "Sophisticated Lady " and "Don't Get Around Much Anymore sparkle with lyric pride. He cascades gracefully and puts sweeping emotion into each line. He makes the music swing, and yet he always puts a personal touch to each segment.

Together, McPartland and Wilson perform "I'll Remember April with four hands, swinging gingerly over its majestic melody with ease. Later, "Flying Home closes the show as another four-hand duet that swings unmercifully. Both pianists give the piece a powerful drive that just won't let up. As two dedicated artists, they've always given their performances a hundred percent.

Track Listing

Stompin' at the Savoy; Sophisticated Lady/Don't Get Around Much Anymore; I'll Remember April; Lush Life/Take the 'A' Train; Marian's Motif; Traumerie; Moonglow; Flying Home.

Personnel

Marian McPartland

piano

Marian McPartland, Teddy Wilson: piano.

Album information

Title: Piano Jazz | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Concord Music Group

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