Even the most ardent jazz fan might not want to hear the band at full strength immediately on rising. In keeping with that idea, here is a too-brief set of quiet beauty — swinging music performed on a Sunday morning (April 26, 2014) at the Atlanta Jazz Party by five masters of the craft: Ed Polcer, cornet; Dan Barrett, trombone; Paul Keller, string bass; Bucky Pizzarelli, guitar; John Cocuzzi, piano.
Listeners who have good memories or who were around in the years 1951-1976 might, as I did, note a gentle evocation of the music Bobby Hackett and Vic Dickenson made together — no copying of phrases at the 2014 Party, but a gentle melodic caress by all the players — showing just how much variety remains in “rhythm ballads” at “medium tempo.”
SECRET LOVE:
WHAT’S NEW?:
EAST OF THE SUN:
Thanks to these sensitive musicians and to the Atlanta Jazz Party, where such lyrical music is always offered so generously.
May your happiness increase!
