Bill Charlap Trio: Notes From New York (Impulse!)
In Thad Jones’s “Little Rascal On A Rock,” pianist Charlap, bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington summon up the dynamics of the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis big band’s 1976 debut recording of the piece. Their twenty years together have given them sensitivity to one another that allows the strength and subtlety needed for such a feat. Charlap and the Washingtons are masters of a kind of jazz piano trio playing that recalls Ahmad Jamal, Hank Jones and George Shearing at their peaks. With jazz often stuck in place or flailing around, it is encouraging that this trio has high exposure and acceptance. Charlap includes welcome rediscoveries of neglected songs by Harry Warren, Harold Arlen and Burton Lane; a joyous Tiny Grimes blues; and what may be the world’s slowest, most endearing solo piano version of “On The Sunny Side Of The Street.”
What a fantastic trio. Yes, Bill Charlap is fantastic. I love his Mom’s singing as well. He was nurtured in a musical family and is now married to the wonderful Renee Rosnes. That is beautiful music with the Washingtons.
I have this recording and it’s terrific. I’ve been following Mr. Charlap since his days with Phil Woods. He continues to improve.
I was listening to Charlap’s rendition of “All Through the Night,” and his introductory first few bars are pure Hampton Hawes. That was a signature Hamp used and I was rather startled to hear it played by someone other than Hamp, who was a good friend of mine in the seventies.