'Round Midnight
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Claude Williamson has been an exceptional advocate of bop piano since the late 1940s, combining refinement and energy in a style that derives directly from Bud Powell, while retaining occasional leavening traces of Williamson's earlier influence, Teddy Wilson. His 1995 CD, Hallucinations, was a fitting tribute to Powell, as both composer and pianist. On this 1956 recording, Williamson plays succinct versions of well-chosen standards like "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" and "Stella by Starlight," along with occasional bop tunes like Horace Silver's then recent "Hippy." There's never a hint of sentimentality on the ballads or wasted rhetoric at any tempo; just lean, anti-rhapsodic bop piano distilled to the essence, with Williamson's quick, light touch adding his own joyous animation. He gets consistently good support throughout from bassist Red Mitchell and drummer Mel Lewis. --Stuart Broomer
'Round Midnight,Claude Williamson,Rhino / Wea,Bop,Cool,Jazz,Jazz Music,Mainstream Jazz,Pop
Jazz Music:
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