Time: 53:05
Size: 121.5 MB
Styles: Mainstream jazz
Year: 2006
Art: Front
[5:55] 1. My Heart Stood Still
[4:55] 2. Swedish Schnapps
[6:16] 3. Semisamba
[5:22] 4. Swinging Till The Girls Come Home
[8:11] 5. Aquarian Melody
[9:32] 6. Love You Madly
[7:32] 7. My Romance
[5:18] 8. Be Bu
Eddie Diehl has long been respected among his fellow jazz musicians, but finally makes his recording debut as a leader with on one of the first CDs issued by a new label, Lineage. It's quite a plus to have a co-leader like veteran pianist Hank Jones, along with having bassist John Webber and drummer Mickey Roker. While Diehl has a fluid touch on his instrument, he seems just as happy featuring his bandmates as himself. While the two standards from the Rodgers & Hart songbook are enjoyable, the interpretations of less-frequently heard works like the bop gem "Swedish Schnapps," Oscar Pettiford's intricate blues "Swinging Till the Girls Come Home," and Ellington sideman Harold Ousley's gently swinging "Aquarian Melody" are the tracks that command one's attention. Diehl also contributed a pair of choice originals. The informal air of this recording session almost make it sound like a gathering of old friends playing late at night for their own amusement; hopefully, Eddie Diehl won't have to wait long for an opportunity to lead another record date. ~Ken Dryden
Well, Here It Is...
There is as much honesty as there is musicianship on guitarist Eddie Diehl's debut as a leader. He is so self-effacing that he uses his liner notes-two short paragraphs! - to explain his reluctance in assuming any role other than sideman. Still uncomfortable without a safety net, he insists on Jones sharing top billing with him. Then, sheepishly, he declares, "Well, Here It Is." And what it is is a totally satisfying, urbane, smoothly swinging conversation among four polished jazz veterans: Along with pianist Jones are bassist John Webber and drummer Mickey Roker. No bells and whistles; no gimmickry. Hell, no arrangements either, just a bit of preplanning.
ReplyDeleteHere's the Diehl: He's an excellent chordal swinger and boasts single-string runs in the Barney Kessell/Herb Ellis tradition. His sense of humor is deceptive. From out of nowhere he sneaks "Ol' Man River" in "Love You Madly" and "Mean to Me" in "My Heart Stood Still." His dialogues with Jones are memorable, particularly their exchanges of eights and fours on Diehl's original bossa nova "Semisamba." Roker provides solid support, even when hinting at double time with his brushes on "My Romance." As for Webber, his walking reveals absolutely flawless intonation-again, check "My Romance."
Harvey Siders
thank you anonymous for sharing this excellent review by Harvey Siders on JazzTimes.
ReplyDeleteGiullia, could you re-upload this album, please. Thank you in advance!
ReplyDeleteSorry, I don't have this album!
DeleteThank you anyway, my friend!
ReplyDeleteJazzzio, I found this album!!
DeleteNew link posted!
What a nice surprise, my friend. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteThanks VERY MUCH Giullia G - I found this on Plixid and asked for a re-up (Ignored as usual). So a good time to say again how special you are - you never ignore people (been with you almost from the start) and always try to help us when every other blog I have found in years typically ignore messages sent. Your a one off, I feel very fortunate to have found you. Best wishes always, Dave.
ReplyDeleteHey Dave, Best wishes for you too!
DeleteHi Giullia, Any chance you could repost this album?
ReplyDeleteNew link posted!
DeleteMany thanks Giullia.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
ReplyDelete