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Lenore Raphael: Wingin' It
By"I'm Old Fashioned"..Clever ideas abound, spontaneous quotes dance softly by. Raphael is an admirer of Bud Powell, and one can sense it in her improvisations. Bud's (sometimes) moodiness, however, is never apparent in her playing; only a hint of his wistfulness is evident. This is always a good tune, and Raphael toys with the melody cleverly but never loses the simple beauty of it.
"Johnny Jazz"..This is an original composition by the leader. The intro is pure Monk. The melody is exquisite, the bridge is eight bars of pure power, and the piano solo is brilliant. The exchanges were highlighted by Raphael's impish mimicking of the drums in the trades. This tune is a favorite among musicians and has received rave reviews from both players and DJ's.
"Billie's Bounce" Charlie Parker's blues classic was done at a high steppn' medium tempo full of all the soul you could ask for. Raphael's interpretation was worthy of the authors genius. The Bass and Drums were clearly inspired by the tune,.. and the Pianist.
"You Don't Know What Love Is".. Bud Powell is embraced beautifully by Lenore Raphael, but the stamp of her soul is clearly on this tune. The bridge was given a most moving treatment, it was eight bars of a cry for love, brushed lovingly across the keys.
"There Is No Greater Love"..Solid bop from the top. Up tempo and swinging. The trio meshed nicely, the solo by Raphael had me clapping in appreciation.
A boffo ending to a remarkable recording. If you love great jazz, this album was made for you.
Track Listing
I'm Old Fashioned, Tricotism, Sometime Ago, Johnny Jazz, Billie's Bounce, You Don't Know What Love Is, There Is No Greater Love
Personnel
Lenore Raphael
pianoLenore Raphael, Piano Mike Bocchicchio, Bass Roger King, Jr., Drums
Album information
Title: Wingin' It | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: Swingin' Fox Music