Search - Alex Hassan :: Phantom Fingers

Delightful syncopated piano music

Anthony A. Ponaras | 07/13/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the time period between World Wars I and II a large amount of ingenious (and often virtuosic) piano music was created by classically-trained but jazz-influenced musicians. Pianist Alex Hassan refers in his liner notes to this idiom as "NSR" - novelty/syncopated/rhythm piano. Most of the tunes on this CD are superb, albeit obscure, examples. Up-tempo numbers such as "Eeny Meeny Miney Mo," "Yes, Yes," "Originola," and the two very technically difficult novelties by Bill Wirges ("Igloo Stomp" and "Snow Shoes") are played by Hassan with infectious charm. The slower numbers such as the "Fantasy on Billy Mayerl Show/Film Tunes" are played with lyrical grace. These tunes have been playing in my mind ever since I bought the CD. I await Hassan's next offering."

Catchy tunes

Anthony A. Ponaras | 05/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had only heard about six of these tunes before buying the CD. But the tunes are great, and so is the playing. The fast numbers are sort of like a cross between tap-dance-rehearsal piano and cocktail piano. This CD really perks me up in the morning."

Listen up!

Robin Cherry | england | 01/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Superb piano playing coupled with great soun"