Andy LaVerne - All Ways

Styles: Post-Bop, Piano Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:55
Size: 151,2 MB
Art: Front

(5:57)  1. Without A Song
(6:04)  2. Apropos
(6:12)  3. Watermelon Man
(6:34)  4. Hydroponic
(6:20)  5. So Long Ago
(7:47)  6. Blue Bossa
(5:34)  7. Love Is A Many Splendored Thing
(7:16)  8. Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered
(8:33)  9. All Ways
(5:34) 10. Cool De La

Andy LaVerne ventured into relatively unexplored territory by recruiting organist Gary Versace and drummer Billy Drummond for this trio session. It helps that the leader has played electric keyboards in the past, while Versace began his professional career as a pianist. As a result, there is plenty of give and take throughout the date, with the musicians making the most of LaVerne's inspiring arrangements and no problems emerge with one keyboardist dominating the other. Herbie Hancock's "Watermelon Man" retains its slinky funkiness, though this version expands upon the original with strong solos by both keyboardists. Kenny Dorham's "Blue Bossa" is a subtle chart, with less emphasis on its Latin rhythm. "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing," often an overdone vocal feature, brings out the lyrical Bill Evans influence in LaVerne's playing, while the ultra-slow treatment of "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" gushes with romantic feeling. All six of LaVerne's originals also are of interest, especially the simmering "All Ways" (featuring Drummond at length as well) and the playful, conversational "Hydroponic." ~ Ken Dryden  http://www.allmusic.com/album/all-ways-mw0000259724

Personnel:  Drums – Billy Drummond;  Organ [Hammond] – Gary Versace;  Piano – Andy LaVerne

All Ways

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